Explore every episode of the podcast MMA History Podcast

Joe “Daddy” Stevenson joins the MMA History Podcast episode 356 for a rare, unfiltered look at his rise from teenage pro to Ultimate Fighter Season 2 welterweight winner and UFC lightweight title challenger. Stevenson breaks down his earliest bouts, including his 1999 pro debut submission of Joe Camacho (triangle choke) at Empire One with Gene LeBell refereeing, his King of the Cage title runs, and coaching days alongside Cub Swanson and Charles “Crazy Horse” Bennett.

He details stepping away from competition to chase his black belt under Marc Laimon, Joe Silva’s personal visit that led to The Ultimate Fighter, being Matt Hughes’ first pick, his defining finish of Marcus Davis, the armbar win over Jason Von Flue, and the emotional finals against Luke Cummo while navigating the birth of his son Frankie.

Stevenson also covers his post-TUF UFC run, from the near-finish of Josh Neer and the bloody wars with Yves Edwards and Melvin Guillard to the high-stakes Kurt Pellegrino bout that earned him a lightweight title shot against peak BJ Penn, plus training stories with Kevin Randleman, Jeremy Horn, and the Big Bear camp.

A must-listen for fans of early 2000s MMA, King of the Cage, The Ultimate Fighter, and the path that shaped one of the sport’s most accomplished grappling technicians.

0:00 start

0:48 MMA History Podcast intro

1:20 Joey Venti’s guest introductions

1:43 interview start

1:51 Joe Camacho story

4:33 called out by Charles Bennett

8:40 conflict with Bobby Hoffman (rumor)

12:11 retiring to focus on black belt

14:17 auditioning for TUF season 2

20:01 getting to the TUF house

20:45 receiving first pick by Matt Hughes

24:34 Matt Hughes vs Frank Grillo on Kingdom

26:21 training with Gene LeBell

26:50 Joe Stevenson vs Marcus Davis

28:04 Melvin Guillard vs Josh Burkman

28:51 Jason Von Flue joining TUF

29:49 having to keep TUF results secret

32:30 injury prior to TUF 2 finale

33:29 preparation with Marc Laimon

36:02 Joe Stevenson vs Luke Cummo

38:54 prank calls

39:46 Joe Stevenson vs Josh Neer

43:26 conversations with Joe Silva after loss

45:57 Joe Stevenson vs Yves Edwards

50:24 importance of training

53:11 Cornered for fight by Kevin Randleman

54:08 Mark Coleman stats

56:00 training at the Barn

57:18 having a bloody fight with Yves Edwards

58:42 understanding cuts from an officials perspective

1:01:45 interactions with Aaron Brink

1:04:19 Joe Stevenson vs Yoshitomi Mishima

1:07:20 Joe Stevenson vs Melvin Guillard

1:09:24 Joe Stevenson vs Kurt Pellegrino

1:13:21 receiving phone call to fight BJ Penn for the Title

1:18:42 Melvin Guillard grease accusation

1:19:52 judges for Kurt Pellegrino fight

1:20:53 interview wrap up

1:21:00 outro/ closing thoughts

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#mmahistory #JoeStevenson #UltimateFighter #BJPenn

In episode 355 of the MMA History Podcast, hosts Joey Venti and Mike Davis sit down with Arizona pioneer and former Rage in the Cage light heavyweight champion Edwin “Babyface” Dewees. A UFC veteran, The Ultimate Fighter Season 4 contestant, and 50 Fight Club member, Dewees began his pro career at just 17 years old in the unregulated Wild West of early Arizona MMA, where his mother signed the waiver and he stepped into the cage with almost no formal training.

He recounts the surreal atmosphere of Roland Sarria’s Rage in the Cage shows—high school kids fighting multiple times a month, selling tickets, teaching classes for free, and chasing the dream of the UFC while rarely seeing real money. The conversation covers his rapid rise against names like Bill Cameron, David Harris, Antonio McKee, Alan “A-Dog” Sullivan, Joe Stevenson, and Drew Fickett, the intense loyalty and control inside Sarria’s gym, and the complicated relationship with a promoter who doubled as a father figure.

Dewees also opens up about training alongside Joe Riggs, the Lions Den years, a brutal post-career attack that nearly cost him his life, and the long road that finally landed him in the UFC after more than 30 fights.

It’s a raw, unfiltered look at one of the most unique and overlooked chapters in early American MMA. If you love the real stories behind the sport, this is essential listening.

Subscribe to the MMA History Podcast for more interviews with the men who built the sport.

0:00 start

0:35 MMA History Podcast intro

1:07 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:32 interview start

2:15 first pro fight at 17 years old

4:37 high school wrestling career

5:21 Richard Hamilton

6:13 Lions Den in Arizona

7:42 meeting Frank Trigg

7:49 experience with Homer Moore

8:44 dealings with Rick Roufus

9:31 training with Mauricio Zingano

9:38 Victor Estrada

10:13 training at Roland Sarria’s gym

11:36 meeting Don Frye

12:20 Edwin Dewees vs Bill Cameron

15:58 moms opinion on fight with Bill Cameron

16:39 Roland Sarria fallout with Rickson Gracie

17:30 receiving support from a Marine Corps recruiter

18:35 taking helicopter to hospital after beating

25:30 Edwin Dewees vs Chris Meyers

28:51 Edwin Dewees vs Davis Harris

31:20 Roland Sarria working as a male dancer

32:13 payment for Rage in the Cage

32:53 Edwin Dewees vs Antonio McKee

35:24 payment for winning tournament

38:57 Edwin Dewees vs Trinity Boykin 2x in one night

40:11 Roland Sarria running shows simultaneously

40:42 goal of making it to the UFC

42:00 teaching MMA for free

44:18 being taken advantage of in early career

45:55 dark money entering the sport

46:45 Edwin Dewees vs Sean Williams

47:28 Edwin Dewees vs Allan Sullivan

49:54 unable to cross train at other gyms

51:31 tension from training with Bob Karmel

53:55 Ryan Bader and Jamie Varner

56:10 Joe Riggs vs Alex Stiebling

57:24 Edwin Dewees vs Christophe Leininger

1:00:30 Roland Sarria receiving help from students

1:01:23 Edwin Dewees vs Jeremy Edwards

1:03:08 Edwin Dewees vs Joe Stevenson

1:05:29 Edwin Dewees vs George Lockhart

1:06:25 altercation with Drew Fickett

1:07:58 Edwin Dewees vs Drew Fickett

1:08:49 Drew Fickett crashing car into restaurant

1:09:49 rematch with Drew Fickett

1:12:22 declining any sponsors

1:13:37 Edwin Dewees vs Shannon Ritch

1:16:47 Edwin Dewees vs Sam Adkins

1:17:28 Edwin Dewees vs Todd Medina

1:19:52 Edwin Dewees vs Homer Moore

1:26:29 Edwin Dewees vs Auggie Padeken

1:27:06 experience fighting in Hawaii

1:29:16 Roland Sarria issues with Santino DeFranco

1:30:42 Dominick Cruz in the training room

1:31:15 Edwin Dewees vs Chappo Montijo

1:33:15 getting a call from the UFC

1:35:19 Matt Hughes and Joe Riggs training camp

1:36:01 Joe Riggs weight cut story

1:38:09 sneak peak for part 2

1:40:36 outro

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#MMAHistory #RageInTheCage

TJay Thompson, the architect of SuperBrawl and Icon Sport and a foundational figure in early Hawaiian MMA, joins the MMA History Podcast to detail how a Boston native managing female oil wrestling at Gussie L’Amour’s nightclub near Honolulu Airport fell into promoting fights in 1996. With no prior combat sports background, he ran packed monthly no-holds-barred events in the roughly 400-capacity bar using a homemade steel, cable, and plywood ring before partnering with Norwegian strongman and World’s Gym owner Ode Haugen to move the shows to Blaisdell Arena under the SuperBrawl banner.

Thompson recounts the early financial losses that nearly ended the promotion, the turnaround to profitability on the road in Guam, and key cards including SuperBrawl 2’s Vitor Belfort versus Jon Hess main event—promoted as Victor Gracie and held under true no-holds-barred rules—that drew Shaquille O’Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers. He covers Jay R. Palmer’s rapid rise as an untrained street fighter and his notorious head-stomp finish of Maurice Corty, the brutal 30-minute John Lober versus Frank Shamrock war that turned the Blaisdell crowd against the Lion’s Den, Matt Hume’s early influence on matchmaking and rules, Dan Severn’s willingness to take half his purse after a poorly attended El Paso show, and the creative workaround of staging SuperBrawl 7 as an ancient pankration-style “Pain Creation Tournament” to navigate Hawaii’s ban on extreme and ultimate fighting.

The conversation also touches the tense Relson Gracie–Egan and Enson Inoue rivalry that dominated the local scene in the late 1990s. This episode captures the chaotic, high-risk origins of one of MMA’s most influential regional promotions and the characters who built Hawaiian MMA from the ground up.

0:00 start

0:48 MMA History Podcast Intro

1:19 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:35 interview start

1:52 start in MMA promoting

6:55 Foxy oil wrestling tapes

8:30 Jay R Palmer

9:16 hosting events at the Blaisdell Arena

10:55 mistakes made by promoters

14:34 Hosting Superbrawl 1

15:56 Jay R Palmer career highlights

18:15 SuperBrawl 1 card

19:23 attendance for SuperBrawl 1

21:32 Vitor Belfort vs Jon Hess (last NHB fight)

26:40 video rights for SuperBrawl 2

28:55 dealings with Carlson Gracie

29:05 Lakers in attendance at SuperBrawl 2

30:50 Maurice Corty vs Jay R Palmer

34:27 relationship with John Perretti

36:37 Zane Frazier

37:26 Pete Williams vs Mark Coleman controversy

40:09 John Lober vs Frank Shamrock

44:56 Pat Miletich vs Jason Nicholsen

46:38 Danny Bennett vs Jay R Palmer

47:50 connecting with Matt Hume

52:10 Danny Bennett vs Jay R Palmer (rematch)

53:25 SuperBrawl 4 fight card

53:49 SuperBrawl 5 success

54:46 experience with Dan Severn

58:32 SuperBrawl 6

1:00:04 brawl at the Pan Ams

1:04:19 aftermath from the Pan Ams

1:06:54 Baret Yoshida leaving Relson Gracie

1:09:56 SuperBrawl 7

1:10:23 SuperBrawl 8 fight card

1:13:02 Ronald Jhun

1:14:39 SuperBrawl 9 in El Paso

1:16:01 teaser for part 2

1:16:57 interview wrap up

1:18:00 outro/ closing thoughts

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#SuperBrawl #TJayThompson #MMAHistory #HawaiianMMA

Joe Brammer, known as The South Side Strangler, joins the MMA History Podcast to recount his journey from a chubby son of a preacher man in Des Moines, Iowa, to a Midwest submission specialist who ground out a path to the UFC.

He details the raw early 2000s Iowa scene built around Toad Holler bar fights and promotions like Midwest Cage Championships, sharing stories of training and fighting alongside Josh Neer, Houston Alexander, and Jeremy Stevens in an era of minimal oversight, high fight volume, and wild characters.

Brammer walks through his early pro bouts, including a lights-out moment during an XKK Trials fight, his guillotine choke win over Michael Johnson that helped launch his UFC run, and his Octagon appearances against Mark Bocek and Aaron Riley after short-notice call-ups and brutal weight cuts.

He also covers training stints with Ivan Salaverry in Seattle, time at Throwdown Training Center in San Diego around fighters like Dean Lister and Jocko Willink, plus the injuries and close calls that shaped his career before he returned home to run gyms in Waukee and Ankeny, Iowa.

This episode captures the unique, under-the-radar Midwest pipeline that produced far more UFC talent than its size suggested.

0:00 start

0:27 MMA History Podcast intro

0:59 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:19 interview start

1:24 staying off of social media

3:19 plugs/ promotions

3:52 fighters coming out of Iowa

7:00 starting off with Jeet Kune Do

8:34 fighting at Toad Hollar

11:53 experience with promoter Chad Mason

14:40 becoming friends with Josh Neer

19:45 UFC mismatching fighters

21:16 experience with XKK promoters Nick and Jeff

22:22 lights shut off during fight with Joe Germain

26:09 the end of XKK

26:49 XKK Trials fight card

28:40 Joe Brammer vs Cody Geertz

29:31 MCC creating an app

32:40 thoughts on Jeremy Stephens

35:55 moving out of Iowa

37:44 reason for fighting once a year

38:34 breaking Jaw cutting weight

42:54 Chad Masons reputation

44:10 Josh Neer vs Houston Alexander

46:22 Joe Brammer vs Allen Hernandez

47:07 Joe Brammer vs Alonzo Martinez

47:55 Alonzo Martinez travel story

50:01 100 fight club members

51:40 Brandon Quigley taking 2 KOs in 2 nights

53:48 MMA organizations not following rules

57:11 dealings with Travis Fulton

58:18 training with Chris David

59:16 training with Ted Worthington

1:00:28 Bryan Bresler

1:01:16 experience with a Combat Doctor

1:03:08 Joe Brammer vs Michael Johnson

1:05:38 manager Monty Cox

1:06:11 Manager Ivan Salaverry

1:07:38 sparring with Josh Barnett

1:08:25 Terra LaRosa

1:08:58 Matt Hume

1:09:34 Maurice Smith career highlights

1:11:03 Joe Brammer vs Chris Mickle

1:18:46 receiving a call from the UFC

1:20:06 training at Throwdown

1:20:58 working with Rudy Silva

1:23:43 Rudy Silva stories

1:24:44 experience with Brandon Vera

1:27:31 Jocko Willink

1:29:08 Timmy Ford

1:29:25 training partners in San Diego

1:30:44 not joining Miletich fighting systems

1:31:28 Drew McFedries

1:34:11 Joe Brammer vs Mark Bocek

1:38:23 Houston Alexander vs Kimbo Slice

1:39:07 Eric Paulson

1:39:18 cornering Jeremy Stephens

1:41:56 Joe Brammer vs Aaron Riley

1:42:53 going 0-2 in the UFC

1:43:04 dealing with injuries

1:45:06 Tomasz Drwal

1:45:36 Victor Moreno

1:46:05 Interview wrap up/ outro

NEW MMA History Clips Channel:

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#MMAHistory #JoeBrammer #IowaMMA #UFCLightweight

The MMA History Podcast welcomes Ant Evans for his third appearance in episode 352. The former head of UFC media relations for the UK and continental Europe revisits 2010 as Zuffa’s international expansion accelerated. Evans covers the UK fighter wave led by Michael Bisping and Dan Hardy, the “cursed” UFC 108 card with multiple major pullouts including Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort, and the office culture of the early Las Vegas years.

He details Chael Sonnen’s Ric Flair-inspired belt stunt, press access battles of the era, and landmark shows such as the sold-out UFC 110 Australian debut with Cain Velasquez, Jon Jones’ first main event against Brandon Vera, Georges St-Pierre vs. Dan Hardy at UFC 111 (including Hardy’s storage-unit training camp), UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi with Anderson Silva vs. Demian Maia and Frankie Edgar’s upset of B.J. Penn, Randy Couture’s submission of James Toney at UFC 118, and Brock Lesnar’s comeback win over Shane Carwin at UFC 116.

The conversation contrasts the lean, record-breaking Zuffa period with the later corporate era while teasing a Cro Cop Canada story for the next instalment.

0:00 start

0:37 MMA History Podcast Intro

1:08 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:21 interview start

1:24 head of PR in the UK for the UFC

3:48 UFC 108 disaster

6:43 Joe Silva issues with Gerald Harris

7:27 UFC 109 helping Chael Sonnen with bad guy image

12:17 interactions with Doug Crosby

13:34 Chael Sonnen Dark side of the cage

15:24 Joey Venti’s studio set up

16:59 camaraderie in the UFC

19:18 the UFC original US office

20:36 2 UFC employees fighting

30:14 UFC hiring Karen Bell

31:45 UFC limiting access to the press

34:43 Sherdogs relationship with pride FC

37:10 getting media coverage for the UFC

40:13 issues with modern coverage on UFC

44:07 reporters receiving bad seating

46:33 importance of having reporters at events

47:59 Teddy Atlas and Max Kellerman

50:54 UFC 110 Australia

55:10 Mark Hunt legal issue with the UFC

58:41 Jon Jones vs Brandon Vera

1:03:04 UFC 111 GSP vs Dan Hardy

1:11:16 UFC 112 Ariel Helwani reporting

1:16:49 Ariel Helwani refusing pay from the UFC

1:21:13 Anderson Silva vs Damian Maia controversy

1:26:13 UFC 112 card

1:26:27 Frankie Edgar fight shorts controversy

1:29:55 UFC 113 card

1:30:22 Paul Daley sucker punching Josh Koscheck

1:31:10 Mike Russow vs Todd Duffee

1:32:12 Chuck Liddell condom story

1:35:05 UFC 116

1:39:36 Kendall Grove comments about TUF

1:41:04 UFC 117

1:41:25 James Toney vs Randy Couture

1:45:52 IRS issues with James Toney

1:47:55 Dana Whites personality behind the scenes

1:50:59 UFC in 2010

1:54:03 interview wrap up

1:55:19 outro/ closing thoughts

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#MMAHistory #UFC2010 #AntEvans #MichaelBisping

Egan Inoue sits down with the MMA History Podcast and opens a Hawaiian career that ran from racquetball world titles straight into the chaos of the early fight scene. Younger brother of Enson Inoue, he talks training with Rickson Gracie before the UFC existed, learning jiu-jitsu from Enson, and a Space Needle street fight that finally pulled him in.

His pro debut came at Lumax Cup: Tournament of J ’95 on October 13, 1995. Armbars over Alexander Otsuka and Akihiro Gono put him in the final, where Tsuyoshi Kosaka stopped the run. From there he covers a 1996 Shooto win over Gordon Dehdman, a Lumax Cup loss to Sanae Kikuta, a Rings disqualification against Masayuki Naruse, and a Pride 5 TKO of Minoru Toyonaga.

Inoue is widely credited as the first non-Brazilian IBJJF world champion, blue belt in 1996 and purple belt in 1997. He also breaks down the footlock game that got him booed in Brazil.

The Relson Gracie feud started on the mats and never really cooled off. Opening Grappling Unlimited in Honolulu, and his ties to kickboxer Dennis Alexio, poured fuel on it. The bad blood spilled into a Hawaii Pan American, a ban from the Florida Pan Ams, and a hired opponent at SuperBrawl 12 on June 1, 1999: Marcelo Dantas, known as Tigre. He also talks weekends at the gym with a young BJ Penn.

At ADCC 1999 he submitted Robbie Kilpatrick, outpointed Renzo Gracie, and dropped the bronze match to Ricardo Libório.

Mike Davis and Joey Venty keep the tape rolling!

0:00 start

0:29 MMA History Podcast intro

1:01 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:16 interview start

1:40 first time hearing about MMA

2:15 meeting Royce Gracie

4:11 joining Enson Inoue in learning Jiu jitsu

5:40 Enson Inoue Jiu jitsu on the street

9:28 learning bjj from brother

10:57 landing triangle choke on Relson Gracie

12:52 training with Rickson Gracie

15:39 Lumax Cup 8 man tournament

17:51 Egan Inoue vs Tsuyoshi Kosaka

19:39 pay for 8 man tournament

20:59 pay for racquetball tournaments

21:39 first non Brazilian bjj world champion

22:34 learning how to do foot locks

23:26 rule changes due to leg submissions

24:50 dragged out of arena in Brazil

27:16 Egan Inoue vs Gordon Dehdman

27:34 Egan Inoue vs Yasunobu vs Matsuo

29:25 recognizing the Yakuzas involvement

31:49 Egan Inoue vs Masayuki Naruse

36:10 training with Dennis Alexio

37:47 Jiu jitsu coaches

38:09 rolling with Rickson Gracie

40:34 getting into fight at bjj tournament

43:10 experience at the Pan Ams

48:20 receiving restraining order from Relson Gracie

50:05 Carlos Gracie Jr asking for apology

52:01 Egan Inoue vs Mauricio Silva

53:00 challenged by Saulo Ribeiro

54:56 false claims from Relson Gracie

55:57 BJ Penn theory

58:10 connecting with John Lewis and Andre Pederneiras

59:20 receiving black belt from John Lewis

1:01:24 falling out with bjj figures

1:03:23 invited to the ADCC

1:04:26 Egan Inoue vs Robbie Kilpatrick

1:05:13 Egan Inoue vs Renzo Gracie

1:08:48 Issue with Ryan Gracie

1:10:55 Egan Inoue vs Karimula Barkalaev

1:12:36 Egan Inoue vs Ricardo Liborio

1:13:18 Ricardo Liborio compared to Rickson Gracie

1:14:51 Enson Inoue vs Mario Sperry

1:15:53 opening Grappling Unlimited

1:17:04 not having Enson Inoue during fight camps

1:17:39 Enson Inoue vs Mark Kerr (Cancelled Bout)

1:18:03 Egan Inoue vs Marcelo Dantas

1:21:22 rule meeting for Marcelo Dantas fight

1:23:23 Marcelo Dantas issues with training partners

1:25:02 Egan Inoue vs Marcelo Dantas continued

1:33:14 Career highlights

1:34:30 beating Enson Inoue in racquetball

1:35:01 interview wrap up

1:35:31 outro/ closing thoughts

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Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Pete Rodley was co-owner and vice president of Universal Combat Challenge, the Montreal promotion that helped launch sanctioned Canadian MMA and gave early platforms to Georges St-Pierre, David Loiseau, Ivan Menjivar, Mark Hominick and Patrick Côté.

In this MMA History Podcast interview he traces his path from a traditional karate family and godson of UFC 3’s Harold Howard through IFC work on the reserves, the Combat List era, and the first UCC cards with Stéphane Patry.

Rodley covers the last-minute UCC 1 main-event scramble after Kimo Leopoldo pulled out, Elvis Sinosic versus Dave Beneteau, Wagnney Fabiano, Sean Sherk against Claudionor Fontinelle, the rain-out show, GSP’s debut against Menjivar, Full Contact Fighter ranking UCC among the world’s biggest promotions, and why he walked away before later returning with Freedom Fight.

A detailed look at the names and chaos that built MMA north of the border.

Subscribe to the MMA History Podcast for interviews and stories from the people who lived the early days of mixed martial arts.

0:00 start

0:29 MMA History Podcast intro

1:01 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:20 interview start

1:31 beginnings in MMA

4:24 meeting Harold Howard

8:00 attending IFC events

9:10 Battlecade Extreme Fighting 2

9:47 introduction to promoting

10:43 legalities for Battlecade Extreme Fighting 2

12:54 the Bikers in Canada

15:45 partnership with IVC and Sergio Batarelli

17:03 meeting Stephane Patry

21:00 issues with Stephane Patry

22:25 dealings during UCC

25:22 UCC 1 original main event

28:50 Kimo Leopoldo vs Elvis Sinosic cancelled bout

32:00 negotiations with Tom Erickson

34:28 Dave Beneteau

35:33 giving Elvis Sinosic options

42:48 UCC 1 fight card

43:53 experience with Shawn Tompkins

46:16 losing money due to rain

48:49 fighter pay at UCC events

50:03 Claudionor Fontenelle crimes

52:47 title bouts on UCC 2

53:11 UCC 3 fight card

54:00 Jay Winger vs Richard Nancoo

55:56 working with other Canadian Promoters

59:14 experience with Angelo Exarhakos

1:02:12 Renzo Gracie’s influence on Ottawa

1:04:09 Claudionor Fontenelle vs Donald Ouimet

1:06:52 Claudionor Fontenelle vs Sean Sherk

1:07:11 UCC 4 highlights

1:08:16 fallout with Stephane Patry

1:15:23 false rumor of Stephane Patry

1:19:01 finding out Stephane Patry was ill

1:20:03 Claudionor Fontenelle vs Sean Sherk continued

1:21:18 Full contact fighter 3rd place ranking

1:22:03 understanding how to market

1:25:45 UCC 7 highlights

1:26:33 Sean Pierson current career

1:30:35 Gsp vs Ivan Menjivar

1:32:14 taking a swing at Andy Anderson

1:32:53 Kevin Rosier vs Brad Gabriel

1:37:18 UCC 8

1:38:05 Jason Black vs Ivan Menjivar

1:38:49 Tony Fryklund vs Jonathan Goulet

1:39:51 Michael Depasquale Jr

1:41:46 UFC 3 Harold Howard training

1:43:28 Harold Howard vs Royce Gracie

1:48:35 telling Harold Howard to back of Mark Hall fight

1:49:24 John Anderson

1:49:53 wedding video incident

1:51:06 Sean Alvarez vs Mike Radnov

1:51:45 Mark Hominick vs Richard Nancoo

1:52:10 Ivan Menjivar vs Jeff Curran

1:52:29 Drew McFredies vs Claude Patrick

1:54:11 calling it quits with UCC

1:58:21 Joe Doerksen vs Denis Kang

2:00:52 reason for fall out with Stephane Patry

2:02:14 dealings with David Lee

2:03:20 Freedom fight vs TUF

2:05:25 attempted robbery

2:09:24 regrets from the UCC

2:12:48 interview wrap up/outro

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Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632

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Thank you for your support.

#MMAHistory #CanadianMMA #GeorgesStPierre #UCC

In this episode of the MMA History Podcast, Cage Rage co-founder Andy Geer returns to cover the promotion’s final chapter. Elite XC and parent company ProElite arrived with cash and television promises, American names poured in, and a run of Wembley Arena cards mixed British regulars with imported stars before the brand collapsed after ProElite failed in 2008.

Geer talks through Kimo Leopoldo’s British debut at Cage Rage 18, where the Pride and UFC veteran lost by guillotine to Dave Legeno, and addresses the talk that followed that fight. He also tells the Cage Rage 21 story in full: Bob Sapp was booked, recorded promos and did the usual cage walk, then pulled out midweek after claiming threats tied to his earlier walkout in Holland; Tank Abbott took the main event on a few days’ notice, flew in, drank the night before, promised a short burst of chaos, and was stopped by Gary Turner.

Also discussed are the UFC dispute over the eight-sided cage and the phrase “ultimate fighting,” the deal Geer says was worth ten million dollars with four million paid in cash, Sky Sports live television, last-minute replacements, and the budget cuts and culture clash that followed the sale.

Cage Rage shut its doors but left a lasting mark on European MMA.

Subscribe for more first-hand interviews with the people who built the sport.

0:00 start

0:37 MMA History Podcast Intro

1:10 Joey Venti’s guest introductions

1:21 interview start

1:34 brawl at the mall 2

3:12 Dan Hardy trained by the Shaolin monks

4:00 Robbie Olivier vs Brad Pickett

5:34 Alexandru Lungu vs Mark Buchanan

6:23 experience with Kimo Leopoldo

9:17 Kimo Leopoldo vs Dave Legeno

10:18 Cabbage Corrreira mugged on the street

15:21 Butterbean in MMA

17:23 Jason Barrett

19:27 cage rage 20 fight card

19:53 Mark Kerr hotel story

22:20 Anderson Silva detained at customs

23:13 Bob Sapp at Cage Rage

27:27 Dan Severn vs Dave Legeno

28:25 copyright issues with the UFC

34:50 broadcasted live on Sky Sports

36:08 Cage Rage 21 highlights

36:53 Tom Watson vs Xavier Pokam

38:21 Murilo Rua vs Alex Reid

38:38 Cyborg Santos vs James Zikic

40:07 Vitor Belfort mental issues

41:29 choosing Wembley stadium as a home

44:06 Mario Sperry vs Lee Hasdell

46:00 Butterbean helping market Cage Rage

48:03 agreement with EliteXC

54:28 $10 million offer to sell Cage Rage

59:47 legal proceedings with the UFC

1:03:34 Jeremy Lappin

1:04:18 Chris Brennen affiliation program

1:05:09 Gary Turner vs Julius Francis

1:06:57 Paul Daley F word controversy

1:08:04 Sky TV dropping Cage Rage

1:12:27 OJ Borg

1:14:16 communications with Jared Shaw

1:15:09 dealing with Phil Baroni

1:17:00 Mark Epstein vs Tom Watson

1:18:01 Drew Fickett vs Mark Weir

1:18:24 Robert Berry vs Ken Shamrock

1:23:46 Andy Geer leaving Cage Rage

1:30:42 false rumors about Andy Geer

1:32:54 EliteXC planning events outside of London

1:34:02 Manchester Combat sports market

1:34:52 how swing bouts worked in Cage Rage

1:37:21 finding out Cage Rage was finished

1:42:48 silent partner in Cage Rage

1:43:55 Terry Trebilcock after Cage Rage

1:47:22 having to a judge at a Cage Rage event

1:50:08 interview wrap up

1:52:06 outro/ closing thoughts

#MMAHistory #CageRage #EliteXC

This week on the MMA History Podcast we close the book on Friend of the Show Mac Danzig’s UFC career. Title challenger Gray Maynard also joins Mike Davis and Joey Venti to walk through Danzig’s final run against Takanori Gomi, Melvin Guillard and Joe Lauzon, the camps at AKA and Extreme Couture, the grind of training while raising a young daughter, the Joe Silva relationship, the sponsorship machine, and the decision to walk out one last time with “Not For Sale” on his shorts.

Gray also talks Primed Combat in Michigan and life after the octagon. Mac looks back on the knockouts in camp, the Rico Chiapparelli chapter, and the six-hour nasal surgery that followed his final fight.

Support the Rafiel Torre documentary: a $10 donation gets you the window sticker and yellow card. Link in the description.

0:00 start

0:34 MMA History Podcast intro

1:07 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:24 interview start

1:26 Gray Maynard current life/ plugs

3:06 Mac Danzig plugs/ promotions

5:46 Mac Danzig meeting Gray Maynard

7:16 relationship with Shawn Tompkins

9:40 leaving Vegas for California

12:00 reaction to Jim Miller UFC longevity

13:29 Mac Danzig’s relationship with Joe Silva

15:30 Gray Maynard’s relationship with Joe Silva

18:09 Mac Danzig vs Takanori Gomi

24:16 Gray Maynard training at AKA

32:21 issues with Bob Cook as a coach

34:07 Mac Danzig vs Takanori Gomi (continued)

36:50 wanting to advance training at AKA

40:35 destroying nose during fight career

43:08 ADHD and sleep apnea

46:42 Mac Danzig vs Melvin Guillard

55:04 training with Rico Chiapparelli

56:52 struggles going into Melvin Guillard fight

1:02:21 issues with finding a coach

1:05:34 going back to Rico Chiapparelli

1:08:00 hesitation during Melvin Guillard fight

1:11:42 Mevin Guillards conditioning for fight

1:16:26 Hand Speed and placement

1:17:51 Mac Danzig vs Joe Lauzon

1:23:16 Joe Lauzon requesting Gray Maynard

1:25:09 choosing not to have sponsors for fight

1:33:38 Cody McKenzie basketball shorts controversy

1:36:24 issues with Training mask

1:38:28 dealing with injury during Joe Lauzon fight

1:42:29 coaches giving fighter speeches

1:46:34 Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard 2

1:49:30 receiving nose surgery

1:54:25 interview wrap up

1:54:46 outro/ closing thoughts

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MMA History Podcast

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Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632

Cash App - $mikedavis1231

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ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

Thank You for your support

#MMAHistory #MacDanzig #GrayMaynard #UFC

Matt “The Real One” Grice was supposed to be unbreakable. A four-time Oklahoma state wrestling champion at Harrah High School, three-time Outstanding Wrestler, and the most recruited wrestler in his weight class, a car wreck threw him through a windshield and stole the college career everyone saw coming. He clawed his way back, made it to the UFC, earned Fight of the Night honors against Jason Black and Dennis Bermudez, then a second crash in Shawnee shattered his skull and ended his fighting career.

Most men would have stayed down. Grice didn’t. He rebuilt his life as an Oklahoma City police officer, coach, and gym owner.

On episode 347 of the MMA History Podcast, Matt Grice sits down with Mike Davis and Joey Venti to recount his legendary high school career, the wreck that cost him his years at Oklahoma, the promise he kept to his parents before his first fight, his UFC run, the 2013 accident that put him in a coma, and how he came back to coach the next generation at American Elite MMA.

0:00 start

0:44 MMA History Podcast intro

1:16 Joey Venti’s guest introductions

1:31 interview start

1:47 current life/ career

2:23 4 time state champ in Oklahoma

4:12 recruiting process for wrestling

7:30 getting hurt in a car crash

8:54 wrestling while injured

11:47 taking a season off wrestling

13:05 meeting MMA coach Jason Merrill

14:46 competing in BJJ after 1 day or practice

17:57 taking first amateur fight

19:32 relationship with Ron Tripp

20:16 Mikey Burnett

20:51 training with Anthony Macias

21:45 Matt Grice vs Matt Grey

23:17 choosing to do MMA over wrestling

24:10 being a ticket seller

24:41 Matt Grice vs Marco Adamballi

24:58 Matt Grice vs Rocky Long

26:35 taking 3 fights in 2 months

27:17 Matt Grice vs Shervin Alavi

28:31 Matt Grice vs Joe Davis

29:22 Matt Grice vs Lee King

29:43 manager Greg Stewart

30:55 Matt Grice vs Dan Marks

33:46 offered to be on TUF

35:40 Matt Grice vs Clint Kerley

36:52 flying out to Manchester for UFC debut

37:54 UFC 70 card

38:34 Matt Grice vs Terry Etim

39:20 taking training seriously

41:00 how traveling affects a fighters lungs

42:13 Matt Grice vs Jason Black

45:00 accepted into the police academy

50:22 work day as a police officer

53:51 Matt Grice vs Matt Veach

57:00 Matt Grice vs Shannon Gugerty

58:42 training at shape fitness

1:00:47 getting cut from the UFC

1:02:20 having a supportive wife

1:04:08 current coaches at gym

1:06:03 Matt Grice vs Dave Gardner

1:07:57 earning 3 straight finishes

1:09:09 Matt Grice vs Ricardo Lamas

1:09:51 experience training at Top Notch

1:12:05 connecting with Tom Vanghn

1:12:55 2 cancelled bouts in the UFC

1:13:26 Matt Grice vs Leonard Garcia

1:15:19 Matt Grice vs Dennis Bermudez

1:17:06 crashed into at a red light

1:20:59 ending up in a coma after accident

1:28:40 choosing not to take medications

1:30:06 Matt Grice day April 4th

1:33:32 life after accident

1:35:25 outro/ closing thoughts

Instagram

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MMA History Podcast

YouTube

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Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632

Cash App - $mikedavis1231

Venmo - Mike-Davis-63

ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

Thank You for your support

#MMAHistory #UFC #Wrestling #Oklahoma

Anthony “Mad Dog” Macias finally sits down with the MMA History Podcast after years of pursuit. At UFC 4 he was billed at 190 pounds, weighed closer to 160, and drew Dan Severn in the tournament. He went on to win multiple eight-man tournaments in Oklahoma and the IFC, then met Kazushi Sakuraba at Pride 7. Macias tells the unfiltered story of the headbutt era, promoter Buddy Albin, the controversial nine-second UFC 6 meeting with Oleg Taktarov, and the early fights that never made official records. He also discusses two decades as an Oklahoma referee and raising sons who now compete.

The only podcast dedicated 100% to preserving mixed martial arts history through interviews with the men who lived it.

0:00 start

0:46 MMA History Podcast intro

1:19 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:35 interview start

2:38 current life/ career

3:17 fighting during the headbutt era

5:11 announced as a state champ wrestler

6:04 introduction to submission grappling

6:41 thoughts on promoter Buddy Albin

10:40 Anthony Macias sons MMA career

11:02 lying about weight on UFC application

11:44 Buddy Albins relationship with the UFC

12:39 UFC 4 name draw for matches

14:01 Anthony Macias vs Dan Severn

17:12 Anthony Macias vs Oleg Taktarov

18:22 early training partners

18:48 working for Andy Anderson

19:50 refusing to joining the Lions Den

20:37 cornering Oleg Taktarov

22:34 Oleg Taktarov vs Dan Severn

23:03 Anthony Macias vs He-Man Gibson

25:27 alternate bout at UFC 6

26:19 full contact fighter interview

27:17 rough childhood growing up

28:18 working out with Ron Tripp

28:41 conversations backstage at UFC 6

30:28 relationship with Buddy Albin after UFC

30:52 thoughts on Tank Abbott

32:22 Ken Shamrock vs Oleg Taktarov

35:01 Underestimating Vladimir Matyushenko

36:27 OFFF 8 man tournament

38:35 Anthony Macias vs John Dixson

39:36 Anthony Macias vs Jason Nicholsen

40:29 IFC Ukraine event

43:35 IFC 2 8 man tournament

45:12 payment for 8 man tournaments

46:11 Anthony Macias vs Brian Gassaway

47:55 fighting over 20 bouts in 1 year

49:00 meeting John Perretti

49:50 Anthony Macias vs Allan Goes

51:29 thoughts on Andy Anderson/ stories

56:27 Oleg Taktarov vs Renzo Gracie

1:00:42 having grit and durability as a fighter

1:02:19 tearing hamstring during fight

1:03:43 Anthony Macias vs Frank Trigg

1:05:08 Anthony Macias vs Wes Gassaway

1:05:29 rematch with Vladimir Matyushenko

1:06:57 Anthony Macias vs Cedric Marks

1:08:47 taking a 2 year break

1:09:35 Anthony Macias vs Kazushi Sakuraba

1:12:13 experience in Japan

1:12:42 relationship with Steve Nelson

1:13:34 Anthony Macias vs Tony Ross

1:13:59 relationship with Paul Smith

1:15:07 C3 struggles staying in business

1:16:07 Anthony Macias vs Jesse Jones

1:16:31 Anthony Macias vs Eiji Mitsuoka

1:17:15 Anthony Macias vs Chad Cook

1:18:00 FFC promotion

1:19:27 Anthony Macias vs Josh Neer

1:21:07 Combat Corner program

1:21:54 Anthony Macias vs Kevin Gittemeir

1:22:28 issues with Rafael Lovato

1:23:24 turned away from Jean Jacques Machado

1:24:50 Gene LeBell

1:25:02 Anthony Macias vs Shonie Carter

1:26:34 having an underrated career

1:27:26 C3 and their limitations

1:28:28 Evan Tanner

1:29:16 receiving different black belts

1:30:14 dealings with Bob Shamrock

1:31:01 future plans for Neko Macias

1:34:36 Mikey Burnett

1:34:47 receiving the name Mad Dog

1:35:03 interview wrap up

1:35:55 outro/ closing thoughts

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

Spotify

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Apple Podcast

MMA History Podcast

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632

Cash App - $mikedavis1231

Venmo - Mike-Davis-63

ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

Thank You for your support

MMAHistory #UFC #PrideFC #noholdsbarred

Kimo Leopoldo joins the MMA History Podcast to recount the raw early days of the sport, from his Huntington Beach roots and Christian transformation to the unforgettable moment he carried a full-sized cross into the Octagon and pushed Royce Gracie harder than almost anyone at UFC 3. The legendary fighter breaks down the chaotic tournament draw, the street-fight intensity of that classic bout, his contentious partnership with Joe Son, the fallout that followed, and the cascade of high-stakes battles that followed across K-1, Pride, and the UFC.

Kimo opens up about training with Matt Hume and Joe Moreira, the Sakuraba and Takayama wars in Japan, the brutal nine-minute war with Paul Varelans, the Huntington Beach showdown with Tank Abbott, and the controversial Bob Sapp kickboxing match in Las Vegas.

0:00 start

0:28 MMA History Podcast intro

1:01 Joey Venti’s guest introductions

1:12 interview start

1:45 attending elementary with John Lewis

3:12 introduction to combat sports

3:42 getting introduced to Christ by Joe Son

5:10 High School wrestling career

5:51 moving to California

6:12 bouncing at Club Rubber

7:54 watching UFC 1

9:10 Joe Son pushing UFC debut for Kimo Leopoldo

9:47 Joe Son challenging Royce Gracie

10:15 Paul Herrera street fight with Joe Son

10:49 learning Jiu Jitsu from Randy Ziegler

12:24 fight with Gracie’s in Hotel lobby (rumor)

13:09 UFC 3 name drawing for tournament

15:43 UFC 3 promo “fighting for Christ”

16:48 carrying cross on back during walkout

18:17 unaware of Joe Sons street activities

19:45 Joe Sons acting career

20:12 training prior to UFC debut

21:25 dealings with Bob Meyrowitz and Art Davie

21:49 feelings before fighting Royce Gracie

23:49 Kimo Leopoldo vs Royce Gracie

27:06 Royce Gracie towel throw

29:00 interactions with the Gracie’s after fight

29:45 reason for alternates to have fights

30:47 apology letter to the Gracie’s (rumor)

32:20 wore out from walking out with heavy cross

34:00 negotiations to fight in Japan

34:32 Kimo Leopoldo vs Pat Smith

36:36 making $500 to fight Royce Gracie

38:54 training at J Sect

39:32 Joe Son vs Keith Hackney

41:55 Kimo Leopoldo vs Masaaki Satake

43:34 connecting with Matt Hume

43:53 incorrectly listed rematch with Pat Smith

44:44 training with Carl Franks

45:12 training partners at AMC

46:39 issues with Allan Goes

47:58 Royce Gracie blue belt narrative

51:29 parting ways with Joe Son

52:28 managed by father Dennis Leopoldo

53:36 negotiations for UFC 8

54:40 conflict backstage at UFC 8

56:11 Tank Abbotts reputation on the streets

56:47 bouncer Richard Alvarez

58:27 John Lober

59:54 Eddie Ruiz

1:00:37 Tiki Ghosn

1:01:03 early involvement training Tito Ortiz (rumor)

1:01:45 crew members

1:02:26 fallout with Matt Hume after Ken shamrock fight

1:05:18 training with Joe Moreira

1:07:34 releasing instructional with Joe Moreira

1:09:09 Kimo Leopoldo vs Kazushi Sakuraba

1:13:59 Kimo Leopoldo vs Yoshihiro Takayama

1:16:44 Kimo Leopoldo vs Bam Bam Bigelow

1:20:01 dealings with the Yakuza

1:22:10 interactions with Gerard Gordeau

1:23:29 Kimo Leopoldo vs Paul Varelans

1:29:18 NHB era not getting the respect

1:29:53 Kimo Leopoldo vs Brian Johnston

1:31:30 negotiations with Pride FC

1:32:16 Kimo Leopoldo vs Dan Severn

1:34:41 Rickson Gracie vs Nobuhiko Takada

1:35:29 falling out with the UFC after Pride Debut

1:36:44 Kimo Leopoldo vs Tsuyoshi Kosaka

1:37:59 cancelled bout with Gary Goodridge

1:38:57 no showing event

1:40:05 Joe Son vs Yusuke Imamura

1:41:37 current feelings about Joe Son

1:45:08 Kimo Leopoldo trading cards

1:46:45 Raul Ries

1:47:02 Joe Son vs Joe Moreira

1:48:34 Kimo Leopoldo vs Tim Lajcik

1:49:32 cancelled bout with Bas Rutten

1:51:47 running into Tank Abbott at a bar

1:54:08 Kimo Leopoldo vs Tank Abbott

1:57:20 Kimo Leopoldo vs Bob Sapp

2:05:54 conversations after Bob Sapp fight

2:07:30 interview wrap up

2:09:20 outro/ closing thoughts

John Perretti returns to the MMA History Podcast to detail his transition from Extreme Fighting to the UFC and the turbulent early years that followed. The Gene LeBell black belt and key architect of modern MMA discusses the rapid call from the UFC just days after Battlecade closed, the challenges of matchmaking under Japanese financing, and the fight to implement gloves, weight classes, and rounds into a spectacle-driven promotion.

From the controversial UFC Japan card and suspected works to booking future stars like Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson and Carlos Newton, Perretti recounts hostile environments, referee tensions, and the moment five-minute rounds and the ten-point must system finally arrived at UFC 21. Unfiltered stories from one of the key figures who lived it.

0:00 start

0:22 MMA History intro

0:54 Joey Venti’s guest introductions

1:09 interview start

1:11 plugs/ promotions

2:55 Art Davey and Bob Meyrowitz issues

3:55 finding out some fights were works in UFC Japan

6:58 Dealings with Mr Karoke

9:09 UFC Japan Card

10:21 Vitor Belfort vs Joe Charles

12:49 cornered by John McCarthy and Jeff Blatnick

16:00 Tank Abbott pulling out of tournament

17:36 bringing Frank Shamrock to the UFC

18:24 Frank Shamrock vs Igor Zinoviev

21:12 UFC Salary

21:41 170lb 4 man tournament

24:34 Mikey Burnett and Eugenio Tadeu size different

26:00 Jerry Bohlander vs Kevin Jackson

27:22 tension with other UFC staff

29:29 interactions with Joe Silva

29:40 UFC promotion commission

30:53 Chuck Liddell vs Noe Hernandez

32:16 Andre Roberts vs Harry Moskowitz

33:42 Dan Henderson vs Allan Goes

33:57 Carlos Newton vs Bob Gilstrap

34:28 Mike Van Arsdale vs Joe Pardo

35:02 Tank Abbott vs Hugo Duarte

35:39 Dan Henderson vs Carlos Newton

36:46 prize for winning 4 man tournament

38:45 Pete Williams airport story

39:56 Randy Couture cancelled bout with Mark Coleman

41:21 Pete Williams vs Mark Coleman

45:57 Frank Shamrock vs Jeremy Horn

47:34 promoter Sergio Batarelli

49:57 Tank Abbott vs Pedro Rizzo

51:53 talks about Royce Gracie

53:47 Bas Rutten Pedro Rizzo fight announcement

55:47 Rickson Gracie pushback

58:14 offering Rigan Machado fight in “The Contenders”

59:16 Jiu jitsu not favored in Extreme Fighting

1:01:48 dealings with Carlson Gracie

1:03:06 kicked out of the Machado academy

1:04:45 Tito Ortiz showing up to UFC Brazil

1:07:58 Frank Shamrock vs John Lober

1:10:46 Vitor Belfort vs Wanderlei Silva

1:11:42 Ebenezer Braga vs Jeremy Horn

1:12:50 Pat Miletich vs Mikey Burnett

1:15:12 Pete Williams vs Tsuyoshi Kosaka

1:16:40 UFC 18 fight card

1:18:20 Bas Rutten hype for UFC

1:20:28 dealings with Steve Nelson

1:21:00 Pedro Rizzo vs Mark Coleman

1:21:42 Tito Ortiz vs Jerry Bohlander

1:23:13 Bas Rutten vs Tsuyoshi Kosaka

1:24:52 John Perretti attending talk shows

1:26:16 UFC 19 fight card

1:28:12 dealings with Bob Shamrock

1:28:36 feelings about Gary Goodridge

1:29:28 Vitor Belfort pulls out of fight with Guy Mezger

1:31:13 Tito Ortiz double bird to Guy Mezger’s corner

1:31:48 announcing Tito Ortiz vs Evan Tanner

1:32:47 Bas Rutten vs Kevin Randleman

1:33:49 thoughts on Eddie Goldman

1:37:11 Pedro Rizzo Withdraws from Bas Rutten fight

1:37:33 Mark Laimon

1:39:08 Ron Waterman vs Chris Condo

1:40:08 LaVerne Clark vs Fabiano Iha

1:41:32 Marcelo Mello vs David Roberts

1:42:17 Wanderlei Silva vs Tony Patarra

1:44:18 Pedro Rizzo vs Tra Telligman

1:45:57 UFC 21 debut of 5 minute rounds

1:47:10 10 point must scoring system

1:48:08 John Perretti not receiving any credit

1:49:49 UFC 21 fight card

1:51:20 Paul Jones vs Flavio Moura

1:51:39 Pat Miletich vs Andre Pederneiras

1:52:46 Maurice Smith vs Marco Ruas

1:54:20 Frank Shamrock Vs Tito Ortiz announcement

1:55:30 receiving a standing ovation

1:56:48 interview wrap up/ outro

Tyrone Roberts joins the MMA History Podcast for a deep dive into the earliest days of Midwest MMA. A Meskwaki First Nation pioneer and one of only three tribal members to compete in the UFC, Roberts recounts his path from high school wrestling state champion to Extreme Challenge standout under Monty Cox and Pat Miletich. He shares stories of tournament nights, Hook and Shoot bouts, a Rings King of Kings appearance in Japan, and his UFC 26 fight against David Dodd, alongside decades of work as a referee across boxing, MMA, and Muay Thai. From the Iowa fight scene of the late 1990s to coaching women’s wrestling today, this conversation captures the grit and longevity of a true pioneer still giving back to the sport.

Subscribe for more interviews preserving the real history of mixed martial arts.

0:00 start

0:31 MMA History Podcast intro

1:03 guest introduction

1:19 interview start

1:29 current career

2:08 1 of 3 to compete in UFC from Meswaki tribe

5:01 Tyrone Roberts vs Rick Graveson

5:38 memories of Extreme Challenge

6:23 Tyrone Roberts vs Joe Leggett

7:25 training with Pat Miletich

9:36 thoughts on Nick Tarpeins

10:02 Reffing fights

10:18 training with Joe Slick

11:02 convincing Andre Roberts to come train

12:54 Ultimate Enticer tournament

13:47 conversations with Monte Cox

14:49 fights that aren’t on record

15:51 prize money for winning tournament

17:23 high school wrestling career

18:49 getting hand raised in the UFC

19:12 Tyrone Roberts vs Todd Frederickson

19:55 Tyrone Roberts vs Adrian Serrano

21:17 sobriety during fight career

22:10 reffing in the BKFC

24:44 fighting 2 4 man tournaments in two days

26:56 struggles with alcohol addiction

28:48 Tyrone Roberts vs Brian Dunn

31:09 wearing a shirt during fights

32:38 Tyrone Roberts vs Wesley Bockert

35:17 Tyrone Roberts vs Jonathan Ivey

37:37 Tyrone Roberts vs David Dodd

39:29 experience with Jamie Levine

40:24 relationship with Joe Slick

42:35 daughter’s college wrestling career

43:45 friendship with Andre Roberts

44:55 conversations with John Perretti

46:13 Tyrone Roberts vs Ricardo Fyeet

47:52 experience in Japan

48:58 getting the call for the UFC

49:49 Tyrone Roberts vs David Dodd 2

50:51 interactions with Bobby Hoffman

52:38 Big Papa Schnake

53:04 Travis Fulton

53:29 Cornering Andre Roberts

54:14 dealings with Brad Kohler

55:15 thoughts on Brian Robinson

55:53 Jason Mayhem Miller

56:14 training with Drew McFedries

57:01 training with Jeremy Horn

57:26 Amaury Bitetti

59:02 canceled bout with Chris Haseman

59:20 reason for never returning to UFC

59:52 Tyrone Roberts vs Sam Adkins

1:00:30 Tyrone Roberts vs Josh Stamp

1:01:30 interview wrap up/outro

Instagram

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Spotify

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Apple Podcast

MMA History Podcast

YouTube

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Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632

Cash App - $mikedavis1231

Venmo - Mike-Davis-63

ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

Thank You for your support

#MMAHistory #TyroneRoberts #EarlyMMA #UFC

Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman went from junior-high Spanish teacher and college wrestler to Pros vs. Joes champion and UFC fighter. In this episode of the MMA History Podcast, hosts Joey Venti and Mike Davis sit down with Brenneman for an uplifting deep dive into one of the more unlikely paths in mixed martial arts.Brenneman shares how boredom with teaching led him to answer a flyer for Pros vs. Joes, win the competition, and chase competition further into MMA. He recounts early amateur and pro fights in the Northeast, training alongside future stars like Eddie Alvarez, Frankie Edgar, and Chris Liguori, the eye-socket injury that nearly derailed him, and the grind of balancing grad school, local cards, and constant travel between gyms. The conversation builds to his short-notice UFC co-main-event victory over a surging Rick Story—a real-life Rocky moment Dana White himself highlighted—before the career-defining collision with Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.Now a professional speaker who brings lessons of resilience, perseverance, and choices to schools, businesses, and prisons, Brenneman reflects on the mentors, the grind, and the mindset that carried a regular guy from the classroom to the Octagon.Fellow historians, this is one of the more positive and inspiring stories we’ve told. Let us know what you think in the comments.

0:00 start

0:49 MMA History podcast intro

1:22 Joey Venti’s guest introductions 

1:35 interview start 

1:40 current life 

3:21 different Spanish accents 

7:31 participant on Pros vs Joes 

11:15 promoting IAVA

12:43 Tattoo Sponsor 

14:33 Charlie Brenneman vs Kellen Hughes

17:26 keeping opponents pinned down 

20:18 reaching out to fighters for training 

22:27 taking inspiration from Matt Brown

23:46 Charlie Brenneman vs Marcello Olivera

25:11 allegedly paid to kick people in the nuts 

25:36 temporarily blinded from head kick

29:09 defeating black belt Marcello Olivera 

29:55 keeping a low profile on fight career

32:24 training with Corey Bleaken 

32:55 rolling with Adlan Amagov 

36:15 Charlie Brenneman vs Jordan Damon

39:31 Charlie Brenneman vs Joseph Aviles 

41:01 Charlie Brenneman vs Mark Berrocal

43:05 ROC 17 fight card 

44:59 Charlie Brenneman vs Drew Puzon

47:38 sparring with Eddie Alvarez and Frankie Edgar 

49:24 Kurt Pellegrino 

50:11 relationship with Mike Constantino 

52:31 feeling discourage after sparring accident 

54:56 Charlie Brenneman vs John Howard

57:02 training with Jim Miller 

59:37 Amanda Nunes and Jamie Varner

1:00:32 Charlie Brenneman vs Yanish Dimitry

1:05:31 Charlie Brenneman vs Edward O’Daniel

1:06:17 experience fighting at IWFC

1:07:05 Charlie Brenneman vs Mitch Whitesel 

1:08:19 conversations with the UFC

1:08:57 jobs during early fight career

1:09:09 Charlie Brenneman vs Phillip Wyman 

1:09:45 receiving a call from the UFC

1:10:16 Charlie Brenneman vs Jason High 

1:11:19 connecting with Brands for sponsorships 

1:12:06 Charlie Brenneman vs Johnny Hendricks

1:15:49 Charlie Brenneman vs Rick Story 

1:20:46 driving 150 miles a day to train 

1:21:17 training partners in New York 

1:22:50 defeating Rick Story on short notice 

1:25:15 Charlie Brenneman vs Anthony Rumble Johnson 

1:25:56 interview wrap up 

1:27:29 outro/ closing thoughts

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Apple Podcast MMA History Podcast

YouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632

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Thank You for your support

#MMAHistory #UFC #CharlieBrenneman #MMAPodcast

This week on the MMA History Podcast episode 341, hosts Joey Venti and the MMA Detective Mike Davis sit down with two-time UFC welterweight title challenger, Hollywood stuntman and actor Frank Trigg for a raw, unfiltered look at the chaotic early days of mixed martial arts. Trigg shares how he coached a talented high school wrestler named Kid Yamamoto in Phoenix before the Japanese star became a Pride FC standout, the real reasons Yamamoto was deported, and the explosive behind-the-scenes fallout from the infamous Rickson Gracie versus Rico Chiapparelli showdown that got Chiapparelli uninvited from major grappling circles. From his time with Real American Wrestling alongside the likes of Randy Couture and Dan Henderson, the first Abu Dhabi Combat Club tournament against Renzo Gracie, early Japan promotions including Vale Tudo Japan against Jean Jacques Machado, Pride Bushido commentating, and the cutthroat realities of 1990s fight money and worked matches, Trigg delivers stories and details few others have ever heard. You think you know Frank Trigg? Think again. Subscribe to the MMA History Podcast for more exclusive interviews preserving the true history of the sport.

0:00 start

0:30 MMA History Podcast intro

1:02 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:20 interview start

1:44 training at RAW

2:51 Reality super fighting tournament

4:50 Rico Chiapparelli forced to leave Renzo Gracie’s gym 9:40 wrestlers banned from early ADCC

11:26 high school state titles

12:57 transferring to Phoenix College

13:30 experience living with Homer Moore

15:39 coaching Kid Yamamoto

17:43 manager Rich Hamilton

18:54 training with Townsend Saunders

19:59 interactions with Ron Tripp

20:16 meeting Pat Burris

23:45 Frank Trigg vs Bill Simpson

24:36 meeting the Lions Den

27:35 thoughts on Oklahoma wrestling

29:32 Paulo Filho Pride Bushido incident

33:50 Frank Trigg vs Dan Gilbert

34:49 Frank Trigg vs Ali Elias

35:53 receiving invite to ADCC

37:24 Frank Trigg vs Renzo Gracie (ADCC)

39:13 Gracie losses being erased

41:20 Rickson Gracie asking for large payment

44:01 training with Lyota Machida

46:12 Mark Shultz worked fight

48:42 experience with Antonio Inoki

51:31 gambling problems in combat sports

53:18 IFC cancelled event

55:50 Andy Foster building a cage with chicken wire

58:18 Frank Trigg vs Marcelo Aguiar

59:28 Frank Trigg vs Jean Jacques Machado

1:01:49 fighting in different promotions

1:03:05 Pride FC Tax evasion

1:04:24 UFC screwed over buying Pride FC

1:07:53 reason for leaving commentary job

1:11:28 reffing from a fighters perspective

1:14:34 Frank Trigg vs Fabiano Iha

1:18:10 Dan Henderson and Rico Chiapparelli’s friendship 1:18:55 dealings with promoter Jamie Levine

1:24:23 leaving wrestling to become a fighter

1:29:29 experience with Ryan Bennett

1:32:23 Ryan Bennett’s departure from UFC

1:35:09 leaking Red Devil fight deal with the UFC

1:36:54 reason for Matt Hughes rivalry

1:38:14 Frank Trigg vs Hayato Sakurai

1:39:59 Plugs/ promotions

1:41:27 interview wrap up

1:43:43 outro/ closing thoughts

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support#MMAHistoryPodcast #FrankTrigg #EarlyMMA #UFC

Isaac Vallie-Flagg: From Street Fights & Jackson’s Gym to UFC, Strikeforce & Sobriety | MMA History Podcast #340Fellow historians, this is one that should never have happened. Isaac Vallie-Flagg had no wrestling pedigree, no karate or boxing background—just a tough kid from Michigan who liked to fight. He moved to Albuquerque, trained under Tate Fletcher and Alberto Crane, then walked into the golden era of Jackson’s MMA and somehow made it all the way to Strikeforce and the UFC.In this raw, unfiltered episode, Isaac sits down with the MMA Detective Mike Davis and Joey Venti and lays out the full story. He talks about the early street-fight days and the punk-rock New Mexico scene, then describes what it was like training as the perpetual nail alongside Nate Marquardt, Mike Van Arsdale, Melvin Guillard, Leonard Garcia, Cub Swanson, Joe “Daddy” Stevenson, Cowboy Cerrone and the rest of the Jackson-Wink murderer’s row. He recounts the chaotic Dominican Republic card where the entire lineup got stiffed, his Strikeforce debut against Brian Melancon (the hardest hitter he ever faced), the career-defining win over Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante, the legendary Yves Edwards fight, and going to war with Takanori Gomi while deep in opiate withdrawal and cutting weight at the same time.

Isaac is brutally honest about the physical and mental hell of kicking opioids while making weight for UFC fights, the difference between a hard partier and a true addict, and what recovery has taught him about grace, trauma, and becoming a better man. This is not a prison interview—it’s a hard-earned happy ending from a fighter who refused to quit.If you’ve ever wondered what the real “punk rock days” of MMA looked and felt like inside one of the greatest gyms of all time, this episode delivers.Like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews and deep dives into the men who built this sport. Drop your thoughts below—especially if Isaac’s story hits home.The only podcast dedicated 100% to the preservation of mixed martial arts history.Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support#MMAHistoryPodcast #IsaacVallieFlagg #UFC #JacksonsMMA

From surviving one of the darkest childhoods imaginable to becoming one of the most feared knockout artists in the UFC, this is the remarkable and unflinching life story of Drew McFedries.

In Episode #339 of the MMA History Podcast, MMA Detective Mike Davis and Joey Venti sit down with former UFC middleweight contender Drew McFedries for one of the most powerful and honest interviews in the show’s history. Drew opens up about growing up in a home destroyed by addiction and prostitution, where drug dealers and violent strangers constantly came through the house. As a young boy he became the protector for his younger brother and two little sisters, learning early that if he could not fight, the people he loved would pay the price. He discusses his mother’s murder, being stabbed himself, and how every statistic suggested his life should have ended in prison, addiction, or an early grave.Instead, Drew walked into a gym and transformed into a devastating striker. The conversation explores his early days at the legendary Miletich Fighting Systems, the brutal sparring sessions, training alongside Matt Hughes and Robbie Lawler, and his rapid rise through Midwest tournaments. He shares stories from his first fights, the Lee Murray bout with no formal training, his battle with Crohn’s disease that sidelined him for nearly a year, and his UFC debut on just 17 days notice against Alessio Sakara. Drew also reflects on key moments with fighters like Nate Quarry, Claude Patrick, Steve Dao, Tim Sylvia in his corner, and the unique challenges strikers faced in getting booked.Beyond the cage, this episode delves into deeper themes of survival, making different choices than the environment around him, family trauma, fatherhood considerations, and finding peace later in life through fishing, biking, and quiet reflection.This is far more than a typical fighter interview — it is a raw masterclass in resilience, personal accountability, and turning darkness into drive.Guest: Drew McFedriesEpisode: #339Fellow historians, welcome back to the only podcast 100 percent dedicated to preserving mixed martial arts history.Like and subscribe for more in-depth MMA stories direct from the fighters who lived them. Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support#DrewMcFedries #MMAHistory #UFC #MiletichFightingSystems

The Only Man to Officially Beat Rickson Gracie — And Didn’t Even Know It

In this episode of the MMA History Podcast, host Mike Davis and Joey Venti sit down with Dr. Ron Tripp — one of the most accomplished American grapplers of all time. A Sambo world medalist, judo champion, and the only man with an official victory over Rickson Gracie, Ron shares how he defeated Gracie in the semi-finals of the Pan Ams without even realizing the significance of the win until years later.Ron details his remarkable combat sports journey, beginning with basement training sessions on a concrete floor in Michigan, transitioning to high school wrestling as a junior, and excelling in college at Hillsdale. He discusses his deep involvement in Sambo, competing at World Championships and earning multiple medals, as well as his long tenure as assistant wrestling coach at the University of Oklahoma alongside legends like the Schultz brothers (Dave and Mark) and Andre Metzger.The conversation covers unforgettable stories from the OU wrestling room, coaching elite athletes, the early days of mixed martial arts with C3 Fights, and his work with fighters including Melvin Guillard and Joe Stevenson. Ron also reflects on his time as president of USA Judo, his experiences with figures like Pat Burrus, Steve Nelson, Anthony Johnson, and Danny Hodge, and the evolution of combat sports.This episode is packed with raw history, behind-the-scenes insights, and wisdom from a true pioneer who has shaped champions across wrestling, Sambo, judo, and MMA.Like and subscribe for more in-depth interviews and stories from the early days of mixed martial arts. Drop a comment with your thoughts on Ron Tripp’s incredible career.Subscribe for more.

0:00 start 0:45 MMA history podcast intro1:17 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 1:38 interview start 1:42 current life2:20 beginnings in combat sports 5:14 experience wrestling in college 6:21 training Andre Metzger 8:23 Andre Metzger missing the Olympics 11:35 relationship with Anthony Macias 13:49 dealings with Buddy Albin 14:08 coach Richard Hamilton 14:59 experience with Mark Densberger16:14 American Sambo Association 17:08 Sambo Steve Koepfer17:51 promoter Steve Nelson20:14 competing internationally in Sambo 27:27 coaching at the university of Oklahoma 31:00 bringing in the Schultz brothers 32:34 experience coaching Mark Schultz35:38 Mark Schultz vs Ed Banach 36:34 Stan Abel relationship with Mark Schultz 39:50 Schultz brothers reputation in college wrestling 44:04 honoring Danny Hodge 47:02 Dave Schultz pinning Mark Schultz 48:25 Mike Sheets ability to score points 49:58 training with Makoto Takimoto51:14 relationship with Melvin Guillard56:18 Melvin Guillard career highlights 1:03:17 training under Chonosuke Takagi1:06:50 Ron Tripp vs Regan Machado1:07:45 Organizing US Sambo Championship Oklahoma 1:09:59 tournament with Rickson Gracie 1:15:22 Rickson Gracie’s accomplishments 1:17:11 offered to fight Rickson Gracie in the UFC1:20:39 money donations for Oklahoma wrestling 1:21:57 interactions with Gary Goltz1:25:07 dealings with John Du Pont 1:28:08 interactions with Guy Mezger 1:29:49 relationship with Anthony Johnson1:34:32 Joe Daddy Stevenson1:40:18 relationship with Adrian Serrano1:43:27 interview wrap up 1:46:51 outro/ closing thoughtsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Olympic gold medalist and MMA pioneer Mark Schultz returns for Part 2 of his most revealing interview yet. He finally opens up about subjects he’s long avoided — fixed fights, the dark realities of Foxcatcher, John du Pont’s mental decline and drug abuse, testicular amputation, and the shocking lows that followed his highest highs.Mark shares gripping stories about his battles with Rico Chiperelli, Fabio Santos, and Walt Bayless, the unforgettable Robin Williams airport encounter, stepping in on short notice for his UFC 9 debut against Gary Goodridge, and the chaotic Jungle Fight in the Amazon where a planned pro wrestling match turned into a real disaster. He also details his first meeting with John du Pont, life on the Foxcatcher farm, du Pont’s predatory behavior, cocaine-fueled psychosis, and the toxic environment that impacted so many careers.Raw, honest, and deeply personal — this is essential listening for any fan of MMA history.Subscribe for more. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support#MMAHistory #MarkSchultz #Foxcatcher #UFC

Women's MMA pioneer Jen Case (Dr. JenJitsu) joins Mike Davis for a rare, in-depth interview on the MMA History Podcast.Jen went 4-1 as a pro, finishing every victory by submission — including two wins over fellow pioneer Julie Kedzie (armbar and triangle). From a small Kansas farming community, she went from self-defense classes and karate to learning Jiu-Jitsu from Mario Sperry VHS tapes, competing in men’s brackets just to face other women, and helping lay the foundation for women’s MMA when the sport barely wanted them around.This episode dives into the raw realities of the early days: training in gyms where the guys tried to make her quit, $100 purses, paying to fight, long drives to shows, Hook & Shoot battles, facing tough opponents like Greta Hicks and Erin Toughill, wild backstage scenes, and the no-nonsense mindset of that era. After an ACL tear, Jen shifted focus to academics and built an elite Jiu-Jitsu career as a purple belt Worlds champion, brown belt Pan Ams winner, multiple-time Masters double gold medalist, and ADCC West Coast Trials competitor — while earning her PhD in Human Nutrition & Performance. She now coaches at Charlotte Jiu-Jitsu.If you love the true history of women’s MMA, the pioneers who beat the doors down, or how Jiu-Jitsu can transform a life, this conversation is essential.Subscribe for more deep-dive interviews with the legends who built MMA. Like if you respect the OGs, and comment with your thoughts or who else we should bring on.Connect with Jen Case (Dr. JenJitsu):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjenjitsu/Website: https://drjenjitsu.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support#WomensMMA #EarlyMMA #DrJenJitsu #MMAHistory

In part two of the Cage Rage Chronicles, promoter Andy Geer reveals how the UK promotion went from regional shows to an international powerhouse that attracted Anderson Silva, Melvin Manhoef, and the biggest names in early 2000s MMA.Mike Davis and Joey Venti continue the deep dive into Cage Rage’s explosive rise, the business decisions that built a global brand with almost no TV money, Pride FC crossovers, and the wild behind-the-scenes stories that defined British MMA history. Andy Geer discusses the UFC 38 Lee Murray vs Tito Ortiz street fight fallout, the impact of The Ultimate Fighter (plus his own early reality show treatment idea), upgrading production with Stephen Quadros “The Fight Professor,” Paul Daley’s early wars, sponsoring UK talents like Brad Pickett and Paul Daley to American Top Team, Anderson Silva’s run including his reverse elbow prediction, Pride FC fighter exchanges and rule changes (head stomps & soccer kicks), the Wolf Slayer gym drama involving Michael Bisping, Dana White and Pride executives ringside together, major sponsorship deals including $100k+ betting money on the mat, stacked cards at Wembley, Vitor Belfort backstage moments, and the launch of their contender series.This is the pivotal rise period that helped put European MMA on the map — essential for fans of early UFC, Pride FC, and the gritty business of promoting in the pre-TV boom era.What was your favourite moment from this era of Cage Rage? Drop it below and let us know what you want covered in Part 3 👇0:00 start0:47 MMA history podcast intro1:20 guest introduction2:39 experience at UFC 385:42 thoughts on Lee Murray Tito Ortiz street fight 9:39 Knock Down Sport Budo10:02 thoughts on Frank Warren 11:21 competitor “Cage Fighting Championship”12:11 pitching “TUF” to the UFC 15:30 dealings with Stephen Quadros17:33 experience with Wanderlei Silva 19:15 Melvin Manhoef vs Matthias Riccio 20:52 Cage Rage 10 fight card 22:47 Richard Bowkett vs Atilla Kubilay 25:47 Paul Daley vs Paul Jenkins 27:54 sponsoring fighters 31:02 Abdul Mohamed vs Jess Liaudin 32:07 Curtis Stout vs Mark Weir 33:11 Anderson Silva vs Jorge Rivera 35:52 dealings with Sakakibara and Pride FC40:36 Debut for Referee Mark Goddard 42:02 Fabio Piamonte vs Cyrille Diabate42:34 Brad Pickett vs Jordan Miller 44:50 Cage Rage 12 fight card 45:47 Alex Reed injured Lee Murray in training 47:35 issues with Wolfslair at Cage Rage 53:40 Mark Weir vs Sol Gilbert 53:51 Tulio Palhares vs James Evans Nicolle54:17 Abdul Mohamed vs Alexandre Izidro55:09 Cage Rage Belt changes 57:22 Vitor Ribeiro teased fight cancelled 58:14 allowing soccer kicks in cage rage1:00:43 fighter reactions to rule changes 1:02:08 relationship with Lee Murray 1:03:15 first International event for Cage Rage 1:06:17 Paul Daley vs Joey Van Wanrooji1:06:48 Gesias Cavalcante vs Michihiro Omigawa1:07:30 Alan Murdock vs Dave Legeno1:09:48 Dave Legeno alleged fixed fights 1:11:44 partying at Cage Rage 1:12:06 Expert sports better Steve Bamford1:15:22 Jeff Monson at Cage Rage event 1:16:01 Dana White attending Cage Rage 1:18:20 issues with Vitor Belfort backstage 1:22:32 Antony Rea’s corner 1:23:48 Anderson Silva vs Curtis Stout 1:24:00 Cage Rage 15 fight card 1:25:29 interactions with the Red Devil Fight team 1:28:09 Anderson Silva vs Tony Fryklund 1:29:13 Jake Bostwick 1:30:53 outroInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support

David "Tank" Abbott returns for part 4 as the team quotes directly from Tito Ortiz's autobiography This Is Gonna Hurt and gets Tank's raw, unfiltered response to every claim. From Tito's glue-sniffing childhood hallucinations and shocking family stories to the infamous stolen check incident, training sessions where Tito claims he dominated Tank on the mat, UFC blackballing accusations, early weight-class politics, and more — nothing is off-limits.Tank breaks down Tito's version of their training relationship, sets the record straight on his own wrestling background and real street-fighting roots, and explains why he believes Tito's entire persona was manufactured. The conversation also covers Chuck Liddell's actual contender path versus hand-picked opponents, the "Tito Ortiz rule" at 205 lbs, and a tease into Big John McCarthy's book.

This is pure, no-holds-barred MMA history from one of the sport's original street fighters and pioneers.If you want the real stories behind early UFC, the men who actually lived it, and zero corporate filter, this is essential viewing.Subscribe & hit the bell for more legendary interviews preserving mixed martial arts history. Drop your thoughts on Tito's book in the comments.

0:00 start 

0:49 MMA history podcast intro

1:22 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:48 interview start 

2:43 Tito Ortiz in the hospital 

3:28 Prologue about sniffing glue 

7:54 thoughts after meeting Tito Ortiz 

10:50 Tito Ortiz requesting for 205lb weight class 

13:38 running into Wanderlei Silva 

17:46 Tito Ortiz receiving hand picked opponents 

22:49 Tito Ortiz screwing over Dana White 

26:08 mother becoming “Lady of the evening” 

28:31 Tito Ortiz stealing a blank check book 

31:51 Tito Ortiz stealing from Tanks home 

34:20 becoming financially stable 

36:35 1st book review  

37:47 arrested for stealing a car 

40:09 Tito Ortiz amateur wrestling career

43:35 2nd book review 

45:25 wrestling coach Paul Herrera  

48:15 stealing “the Huntington Beach bad boy” name 

52:15 3rd book review 

53:50 Tito Ortiz training with Tank Abbott 

57:17 Tank Abbott athletic background 

59:04 learning how to wrestle 

1:04:45 4th book review 

1:07:17 advice from Tank Abbott to Tito Ortiz 

1:10:56 street fight rumor with John Matua 

1:16:22 5th book review 

1:17:17 Tito Ortiz getting over on people 

1:21:16 Tito Ortiz bringing hard work ethic to training 

1:25:44 Tito Ortiz moving out of California 

1:27:54 Reaching out for money to pay for attorney 

1:34:05 Tito Ortiz blackballed from the UFC 

1:36:44 Confronted over stollen golf clubs 

1:44:50 Tito Ortiz caught stealing a bike 

1:49:51 using Tank Abbotts influence to get back in the UFC

1:51:08 interactions with Tito Ortiz’s mom 

1:52:52 thoughts on fighter taking steroids 

1:55:43 John McCartny upset when people response 

2:00:22 clearing up some statements 

2:08:33 Tank Abbott vs John McCartny

2:14:50 interview wrap up/ outro

#TankAbbott #TitoOrtiz #MMAHistoryPodcast #UFC

Big Sexy Sean McCorkle Part 2 - UFC Exit, Monte Cox, Steroids, Wild Post-UFC Fights & More | Episode 333Big Sexy Sean McCorkle returns for an even more unfiltered Part 2. Shawn opens up about his controversial UFC departure after Joe Silva’s warnings about his tweets, the “risk vs reward” conversation, and his raw farewell message. He dives deep into his relationship with manager Monty Cox, handshake deals, pay-per-view points battles, and behind-the-scenes UFC politics with Dana White, the Fertittas, and discretionary bonuses.Sean shares hilarious and chaotic post-UFC stories: the legendary Mike Hayes fight hype prank that hit Yahoo Sports, last-minute opponent negotiations, cutting to 285 on Winstrol/Anavar, the Cameron Befort (not Vitor Belfort) finish, and a wild post-fight “Fidel Castro / Free Cuba” shoutout in Miami. He also discusses steroid cycles, weight cuts, near-misses with Jason Guida, Bellator dealings, and memorable run-ins with Travis Brown, Matt Mitrione, Brendan Schaub, and more.Plus: the WWE offer, pro wrestling stories, family life, his son’s comedy ambitions, and why he has zero regrets living life on his own terms.Drop your questions for Part 3 in the comments — we’re bringing Big Sexy back!Subscribe for more early UFC, EliteXC, Cage Rage, and regional MMA history deep dives.The MMA History Podcast preserves raw, untold stories from the pioneers who built the sport.

0:00 start

0:43 MMA history podcast intro 

1:15 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

1:31 interview start 

2:00 getting recognized internationally

4:27 departing from the UFC

7:41 UFC becoming anti free speech 

10:54 dealings with Monte Cox 

14:42 thoughts on Dana White 

15:55 UFC not paying fighters for public appearances

19:45 looking for fights after UFC release

20:52 issues with Sam Hoger 

22:14 hyping up fight with Mike Hayes “ canceled bout” 

32:41 offered fight with Tony Lopez 

33:31 negotiating fight with Cameron Befort 

39:37 Sean McCorkle vs Cameron Befort 

39:47 controversial post fight interview

41:58 understanding fight capabilities 

45:10 bad experience with the Schmo

46:29 travis Brown story

52:32 Sean McCorkle vs Alex Rozman

54:03 turning down Hollywood producers

56:22 getting an offer from the WWE 

57:35 meeting professional wrestlers at signings

1:00:56 talking to Alex Rozman after fight 

1:04:05 sending Alex Rozman money for commissary

1:07:06 UFC refusing to let Sean McCorkle return 

1:08:42 the Fertitta brothers ties to the Mob

1:10:15 Sean McCorkle vs Justin Grizzard

1:12:34 interactions with Alex Trujillo 

1:14:12 Sean McCorkle vs Richard White 

1:16:01 Pat Curran vs Joe Warren “bad stoppage” 

1:19:29 Sean McCorkle vs Christian Morecraft 

1:21:51 Joe Silva refusing to book local fighters

1:23:57 receiving front row tickets from Dana White 

1:28:14 next chapter of fight career 

1:29:38 Sean McCorkle’s son pursuing comedy 

1:31:11 roasting Brandon Schaub online 

1:36:36 issues with hosting a podcast 

1:39:03 having unbelievable stories

1:43:03 interview wrap up  

1:43:13 outro/ closing thoughts

#MMAHistoryPodcast #UFC #MMA #MontyCox #JoeSilva #UFCFighters #SteroidsInMMA #FighterStories #CombatSports

MMA History Podcast #332: Marcus Davis "The Irish Hand Grenade" – TUF 2, UFC Wars, Supernatural Eye Healing & Street Life

In this explosive episode, we sit down with former UFC welterweight contender and boxing standout Marcus Davis, the Irish Hand Grenade. Marcus delivers one of our most raw and unforgettable interviews of the year, opening up about his brutal upbringing in Maine, brushes with the juvenile justice system, family trauma, and the darker characters from the boxing world — including surprising mafia ties and Whitey Bulger connections.

He details his casting for The Ultimate Fighter Season 2, a near career-ending torn retina that miraculously healed in what he describes as a supernatural event (complete with Dana White's stunned reaction), his transition from boxer to complete MMA fighter, and his exciting early UFC run. Marcus also shares wild TUF house stories with Jorge Gurgel, Melvin Guillard, Rashad Evans, and more — plus insights on training with Matt Hughes, Rich Franklin, and his intense rivalry with "The Muscle."

Marcus recounts his rough childhood spent in survival mode, how he broke the generational cycle for his kids, his boxing roots and early MMA journey with Tim Sylvia, the full TUF 2 casting drama and house life, his UFC debut fights, shoulder injuries, and the seven-fight win streak that followed. He also dives into encounters with organized crime figures and the survival instincts that kept him alive through it all.

This is Part 1 — Marcus has already agreed to Part 2, so drop your questions in the comments (he reads them!).If you love raw MMA history, behind-the-scenes UFC stories, fighter comebacks, and untold tales from the golden era, this is essential listening.

Subscribe for more deep-dive interviews with the legends who built the sport. Like, comment, and share your favorite Marcus Davis moment or what we should ask in Part 2!

MMA History Podcast – Preserving the real stories of mixed martial arts.

In this powerful episode of the MMA History Podcast, host Mike Davis sits down with Mark Schultz, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, three-time NCAA champion, and one of the earliest crossover stars from wrestling into mixed martial arts.Mark opens up about his legendary wrestling journey — from high school state champion to dominating college wrestling at UCLA and the University of Oklahoma, his iconic NCAA finals battles including the legendary 1982 match versus Ed Banach, and his unforgettable 1984 Olympic run where he broke the number one ranked wrestler’s arm en route to gold.

He also shares rare stories about his brother Dave Schultz, the Foxcatcher tragedy, and the lasting impact of John du Pont’s murder of Dave.Mark discusses his introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Rickson Gracie, early MMA insights and training with Pedro Sauer, behind-the-scenes stories from the wild formative era of combat sports, and the Schultz brothers’ unique wrestling style, mindset, and unbreakable bond.

A must-watch for wrestling fans, MMA historians, and anyone interested in the real Foxcatcher story, Olympic wrestling in the 1980s, and the roots of modern MMA.

If you enjoyed this episode, drop a like, comment your favorite moment, and subscribe for more rare interviews with the pioneers who built MMA. New episodes every week!

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitreRecords Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstressSocial Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacentoInstagram

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Episode 330 – The Rise of Cage Rage with Andy Gear (Part 1)In this first episode of our Cage Rage series, the MMA History Podcast sits down with co-founder Andy Geer for a rare, in-depth look at the promotion that changed UK MMA forever.From running their very first event in a local leisure centre to landing a television deal by their second show, Andy reveals how they built a global brand on a shoestring budget. Discover the rise of British legends like Michael Bisping, Brad Pickett, and the notorious Lee Murray, who fought his final MMA bout for Cage Rage before his infamous high-profile bank heists.Learn how Cage Rage took a Brazilian fighter with a spotty Pride record in Anderson Silva and, in just two appearances, delivered the future UFC GOAT to the world. Andy shares wild stories from events 1 through 9, including bringing in international talent, chaotic early fights, Royce Gracie refereeing, political pushback, venue battles, and the raw, unfiltered energy of the early 2000s UK MMA scene.He discusses starting Cage Rage with zero experience, landing Sky TV and building an international audience, the Anderson Silva versus Lee Murray weigh-in chaos, Michael Bisping’s early arrogance and rise, along with key figures like Jeremy Bailey, Mark Epstein, Paul Jenkins and more, plus the crazy backstage culture and growth pains that shaped the promotion.A must-watch for any MMA fan interested in the golden era of European MMA, UK pioneers, and the wild history behind one of the most influential promotions outside the UFC.Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitreRecords Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstressSocial Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacentoInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support

Ant Evans, former UFC Head of PR during the golden era, returns to the MMA History Podcast for episode 329. In this explosive 2+ hour conversation, Ant delivers an unfiltered look at 2009 — the year mixed martial arts truly exploded.He breaks down the Brock Lesnar UFC 200 surprise return, the Ariel Helwani leak that rocked the company, Dana White’s denials, and the internal accusations that followed. Ant reveals how managers were the real source of leaks, the brutal realities of PR horse-trading, and the dramatic cultural shift from the close-knit Zuffa family atmosphere to today’s TKO corporate money-grab era.You’ll hear legendary behind-the-scenes stories including the full details on GSP vs BJ Penn and the infamous Greasegate at UFC 94, Dan Henderson vs Rich Franklin in Dublin, the chaotic UFC 99 event in Cologne and battles with the German athletic commission, Michael Bisping’s rise, Marcus Davis and the “Irish Hand Grenade” nickname controversy, UFC 100 as the biggest card in company history, Kimbo Slice negotiations, the Hector Lombard signing, and much more. Ant also shares his candid thoughts on John Fitch, Dana White’s evolving role, and why 2009 felt like the UFC could do no wrong.Hosted by the MMA Detective Mike Davis and co-host Joey Venti. If you love raw UFC history, insider stories from the golden era, Brock Lesnar, GSP, Greasegate, Ariel Helwani, Dana White, and the real story behind MMA’s breakout year, this is essential listening.Subscribe for weekly deep dives into the untold history of mixed martial arts. New episodes drop every week.0:00 MMA history podcast intro 0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction0:54 interview start 1:00 Ariel Helwani spoiling Brock Lesnar return 4:27 accused of leaking info to Ariel Helwani 8:02 trading information for publicity11:10 Dana White final say on fights 13:37 money grub era of the UFC 17:15 Michael Bisping negotiations 21:04 Rich Franklin vs Dan Henderson O2 arena 25:16 Marcus Davis vs Chris Lytle 28:52 UFC company party’s 31:41 Company Morale at the UFC 34:22 dealings with Jon Fitch36:35 Karo Parisyan career decline 37:10 BJ Penn vs GSP 38:35 Grease gate controversy 43:50 Michael Bisping no showing TUF fight45:24 how illegal greasing works 49:07 UFC signing Hector Lombard 52:06 issues with Canadas athletic commission 53:59 struggles bringing UFC 99 to Germany 1:03:10 Dan Hardy vs Marcus Davis 1:04:39 UFC golden era 1:06:28 TUF USA vs UK1:07:10 secrecy for UFC 1001:12:12 UFC 100 event 1:15:36 Teddy Atlas and Mark Kellerman 1:20:30 Max Kellerman post fight interviews 1:24:09 Dan Henderson vs Rich Franklin 2 “cancelled” event 1:27:19 early UFC fight night cards vs Modern 1:28:23 UFC stars from the UK1:33:38 Shogun Rua paid bonus from bad decision 1:34:00 Chael Sonnen vs Yushin Okami 1:35:16 UFC 1061:35:29 TUF 10 finale 1:37:12 Kimbo Slice being a viral sensation 1:39:25 UFC being undervalued 1:42:49 MVP fighter pay 1:45:03 interview wrap up/ outroFollow the MMA History Team on Instagram: MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitreRecords Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstressSocial Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacentoInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistoryp...Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8Ksfq...Apple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube    / @mmahistorypodcast  Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast Thank You for your support

MMA History Podcast #328: Rudy Silva Prison Interview – The Cocaine King of San Diego

In this raw and unfiltered prison interview, former fight promoter, City Boxing and Alliance MMA gym owner, and self-proclaimed Cocaine King of San Diego Rudy Silva opens up to Mike Davis like never before.

Rudy details his traumatic childhood, early days at City Boxing alongside Brandon Vera, Dean Lister, KJ Nunes, and Tyrone Glover, launching Alliance MMA with Vera, and his deep connections in the San Diego MMA scene. He speaks candidly about his relationships with Dominic Cruz, Jocko Willink, Dan Bilzerian, Justin Bieber, and the chaotic lifestyle that pulled him into the Tijuana Cartel world.

From gym politics and embezzlement drama to cartel dealings, robberies, a high-profile nightclub stabbing, bipolar struggles mixed with heavy cocaine use, family estrangement, and life in federal prison while appealing his sentence, Rudy holds nothing back.

This is a gripping, no-holds-barred look at the dark underbelly of early San Diego MMA — sex, drugs, violence, power, and regret from someone who lived it all at the highest levels of both the fight game and the streets.

A must-listen episode of The Other Side of the Cage prison interview series.

The MMA History Podcast is the only show dedicated 100% to preserving mixed martial arts history through interviews and stories from the men who lived it.

0:00 MMA history podcast intro

0:33 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

2:16 interview start

2:25 current life/

5:28 going through a break up

7:09 having a rough upbringing

10:16 becoming involved in drug distribution

12:01 selling memberships for City boxing

15:58 Urijah Faber and Mark Dion incident

19:07 kickboxer Alex Gong

19:53 Coach Oleg Larson

21:18 Boxing coach Manny Melchor

22:37 Coach Ernesto Martinez

25:51 kickboxer Danny Steele

26:04 leaving City boxing

28:54 opening up a gym

31:56 renting rooms out to fighters

34:29 introduction to the drug market

42:33 working for Total Combat

44:05 fight politics in Mexico

47:00 opening an Alliance Jiu jitsu gym

51:29 falling out with Brandon Vera

54:52

56:31 relationship with Jocko Willink

1:02:51 bible app with Michael Chandler

1:05:04 transitioning from coach to drug distribution

1:09:42 stabbing at a nightclub

1:16:48 argument with Chris Leben

1:21:18 Elias Gios

1:24:21 training Dan Bilzerian

1:26:30 robbed for $285,000

1:29:52 Kickboxer Rob Kaman

1:30:10 relationship with Dominick Cruz

1:33:44 falling out with Dominick Cruz

1:38:20 relationship with Dean Lister

1:40:38 Eric Nicksick

1:42:05 process of getting caught up

1:45:27 outro/ closing thoughts

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram:

MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632

Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre

Records Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress

Social Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_

Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacento

Instagram

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MMA History Podcast

YouTube

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Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632

Cash App - $mikedavis1231

Venmo - Mike-Davis-63

ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

#MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast

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Jared Shaw returns to the MMA History Podcast for his fourth and most revealing appearance yet, pulling back the curtain on the spectacular rise and sudden collapse of Elite XC. As the promotion’s Vice President during its groundbreaking CBS era, Shaw was at the center of the Kimbo Slice versus Seth Petruzelli fight that many still blame for sinking the company overnight.

In this unfiltered conversation with Mike Davis and Joey Venti, he sets the record straight on the real reasons behind the fall, the internal power struggles, the fight-fixing rumors, and the fighters who could have built an empire.From the Cyborg debut that stole the show to the Gina Carano era, the frantic final months, and the untold stories of what happened when the lights went out, Shaw delivers raw insight into one of MMA’s most controversial chapters and the golden opportunities the sport lost forever. This is the definitive inside account of how close Elite XC came to challenging the UFC—and why it all ended so abruptly.0:00 MMA history podcast intro 0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction0:52 interview start 0:54 boxing memorabilia 6:19 passion for scouting talent early 7:49 concerns going into “Unfinished business” event 16:16 issues with manger Mark Dion 17:55 negotiations with KJ Noons 20:28 treating fighters and teammates fair21:23 speaking to the press for EliteXC25:42 Cris Cyborg vs Shayna Baszler 31:30 early womens MMA compared to today’s 32:36 Shayna Baszler going to WWE33:17 Jake Shields vs Nick Thompson 36:03 Nick Diaz vs Thomas Denny 40:06 Robbie Lawler vs Scott smith 40:30 SEC filing needed $3.8M to keep doors open 43:13 boxing promoters going extinct 45:50 MMA and boxing pay scales 48:24 Chuck Champion announces $1M in funding 49:50 Announced a partnership with Affliction 51:32 experience with Todd Beard 52:38 EliteXC Heat event55:45 Ken Shamrock and Kimbo slice weigh ins 58:04 phone call about Ken Shamrock injury 1:00:37 realizing Ken Shamrock did not want to fight 1:03:14 offering Seth Petruzelli fight with Kimbo slice 1:05:23 Seth Petruzelli false claims of fight fixing 1:06:59 Ken shamrock upset at Jared Shaws reaction 1:09:15 offering extra money to Kimbo Slice 1:11:39 Benji Radach vs Ninja Rua 1:12:19 Gina Carano vs Kelly Kobold1:12:33 Andrei Arlovski vs Roy Nelson 1:13:00 Jake Shields vs Paul Daley1:13:55 Kimbo Slice vs Seth Petruzelli announcement 1:15:41 issues during Kimbo Slice walk out 1:17:53 viewership for EliteXC Heat 1:20:17 allegedly attacking Dan Freeman 1:21:18 Frank Shamrock asking for Kimbo Slice fight 1:25:13 reaction to Kimbo Slice loss 1:26:00 aftermath from EliteXC heat event 1:27:39 Seth Petruzelli infamous radio interview 1:28:22 thoughts on TJ Thompson1:31:18 being told not to acknowledge negative press 1:33:18 issues with manager Kim Couture1:38:44 Scouting EliteXC ring girls 1:40:19 Kim Courure vs Alexis Dufresne1:42:14 realizing EliteXC is finished 1:42:42 announcing the closing of EliteXC1:44:18 bids for buying StrikeForce 1:45:30 EliteXC being the last true competitor to UFC 1:49:03 MVP vs UFC 1:52:17 interview wrap up 1:54:19 outroFollow the MMA History Team on Instagram: MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitreRecords Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstressSocial Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacentoInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 Thank You for your support

In this episode of the MMA History Podcast, MMA Detective Mike Davis and Joey Venti sit down with retired UFC heavyweight Sean “Big Sexy” McCorkle for one of the wildest, funniest, and most honest interviews in the show’s history.From selling appliances for crazy money to becoming a viral internet troll on The Underground Forum, Sean holds nothing back. He breaks down his infamous first-day submission of Marcelo Montero, his early barn-burner fights at the 8 Second Saloon, training with Tom Erickson and Dave Herman, and the legendary Matt Hughes book review that took over the internet.You’ll hear the full story behind his UFC debut armbar victory over Mark Hunt, the chaotic co-main event with 7-foot Stephan Struve, the insane puppy-breeding saga, the meth-head home invasion, and why he walked away from millions to chase fights. Plus, silver investments gone wrong, back surgery horror stories, and the real reason the UFC never knew what to do with him.This is classic MMA History Podcast gold: raw, hilarious, and packed with never-before-heard stories from one of the most entertaining big men to ever step in the Octagon.0:00 MMA history podcast intro 0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction0:53 interview start 0:58 plugs/ promotions2:11 women breaking into puppy mill 5:12 losing money on buying silver 6:01 beginnings in MMA 6:52 scammed by Marcello Monteiro 14:05 choosing to train with James Clingerman 17:57 Chris Lytle’s unorthodox fight style20:51 refusing to train in the Gi 22:20 Sean McCorkle vs Steve Paulson24:11 picking the Nickname “The Hater”25:09 training with Tom Erickson30:42 training partner Dave Herman 34:16 Sean McCorkle vs Jason Johnson34:35 Sean McCorkle vs Robert Hogan37:27 Sean McCorkle vs Justin Wade38:41 Sean McCorkle vs Jeremy Norton41:48 joining the underground forums 46:29 Sean McCorkle vs James Ferguson46:43 notorious Matt Hughes book review 52:45 taking 2 years off for back surgery53:28 going through a major divorce 56:47 Jason Guida vs Alex Trujillo controversy59:30 Primetime Fighting Championship losing money 1:02:40 confronted by Jason Guida and Alex Trujillo 1:05:35 finding an arch nemesis on the underground1:06:57 terminally ill grandmother promo 1:13:22 interactions with Brett Rogers 1:14:43 thoughts on Bruce Buffer 1:17:49 thoughts on Dominick Cruz1:19:08 Johnathon Ivey’s fight résumé1:20:01 Sean McCorkle vs Bobby Favors1:22:08 getting a call from the UFC1:25:41 fighting Mark Hunt in UFC debut1:27:43 submitting Mark Hunt1:29:10 renegotiations with the UFC 1:31:56 having to cut weight for fight 1:34:49 receiving celebrity status after UFC victory1:36:11 Sean McCorkle vs Stephan Struve1:42:13 receiving text from Joe Silva 1:44:22 pay for UFC 3 video game 1:48:27 pay for UFC trading cards 1:50:00 getting released from the UFC 1:50:37 taking steroids during fight career 1:52:24 fat burner medication story 1:57:49 Bob Sapp early peptide knowledge 2:00:11 2nd half of career 2:02:11 interview wrap up 2:03:36 outro/ closing thoughtsFollow the MMA History Team on Instagram: MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitreRecords Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstressSocial Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacentoInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast Thank You for your support

MMA Detective Mike Davis and co-host Joey Venti sit down once again with early MMA legend and the original Huntington Beach Bad Boy, David "Tank" Abbott. This is Tank's third appearance on the show, delivering his signature no-holds-barred perspective on the raw, untamed early days of mixed martial arts.In this wide-ranging conversation, Tank addresses viral social media moments including his legendary 600-pound bench press (spotted by former UFC executive David Isaacs) and his story of a young, angry Strickland trying to fight him in a bar, only for Tank to take the kid under his wing for the night. He also shares candid recollections from his UFC run, WCW transition, training with John Marsh, fights against Frank Mir, Kimo Leopoldo, and Wesley "Cabbage" Correira, plus his thoughts on the creation of the light heavyweight division, backstage politics, and the evolution of the sport.Straight from one of MMA's most polarizing and entertaining pioneers, this episode is packed with firsthand history, strong opinions, and stories you won't hear anywhere else. If you want the unfiltered truth about the men who built mixed martial arts, this is essential listening.The MMA History Podcast is dedicated to preserving the sport's rich heritage through in-depth interviews and obsessive research. Hundreds of episodes, thousands of hours of documentation—all conducted by the most dedicated mind in the business.Subscribe for more early MMA stories direct from the fighters who lived them.0:00 MMA history podcast intro 0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 0:49 interview start 1:36 600 LB bench press video 3:10 Sean Strickland trying to fight Tank Abbott5:11 called and alcoholic by John McCarthy7:35 thoughts on the Vitor Belfort9:54 how Tito Ortiz made it to the UFC12:28 fighters pretending to be tough guys14:58 talking Authority figures with John McCarthy18:57 Dana White managing Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell21:15 Tito Ortiz selling merchandise at high school gyms 23:46 Dana White introducing weight classes26:26 Tito Ortiz responsible for 205lb weight class 27:53 Tito Ortiz avoiding fight with Babalu31:13 thoughts after wrestling career 32:53 trolled by a bouncer 37:28 Paul Herrera accused of stealing cigars 40:59 leaked Paul Herrera instructionals 44:48 Paul Herrera vs Kazushi Sakuraba49:58 why TUF was a success 52:46 Tank Abbott vs Frank Mir 58:18 career downfall after Frank Mir fight 1:01:17 Dana White related to Frank Mir rumors 1:01:43 training with Phil Baroni1:03:11 Tito Ortiz almost hit by a bus 1:04:37 not invited to Tito Ortiz’s wedding 1:07:24 1:08:30 Tito Ortiz working at Spanky’s adult book store 1:10:07 false reels about Tank Abbott 1:12:15 Tank Abbott vs Kimo Leopoldo1:14:08 flying to Costa Rica after fight 1:20:00 interactions with Wes simms 1:22:21 connecting with John Marsh 1:26:06 Tank Abbott vs Cabbage 1:38:08 denied UFC return 1:42:50 UFC HOF fights that are snubbed 1:45:17 different phases of the UFC 1:47:34 UFC milking fans out of their money 1:51:23 relationship with Ken Shamrock 1:52:19 Paula Romero 1:54:24 Tank Abbott vs Cabbage rematch 1:59:03 fights at after parties 2:01:36 Tank Abbott Book series2:03:35 Ranger Scott 2:04:33 Mark Kerr in the UFC HOF 2:05:16 Tank Abbott movie 2:09:26 Tito Ortiz and Kevin Randleman story 2:12:36 Tank Abbott and Tito Ortiz incompatibility2:14:25 John McCarthy shoving Tedd Williams 2:17:00 John McCarthy on food fighting show 2:17:37 Walter Fox 2:18:45 interview wrap up/outroApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast Thank You for your support

Join the MMA Detective Mike Davis and co-host Joey Venti for an exclusive deep dive with Paul “The Hitman” Herrera — Division I All-American wrestler (Nebraska, 142 lbs), Tito Ortiz’s high school wrestling coach, and core member of the legendary Tank Abbott crew in Huntington Beach.

In this raw, no-holds-barred conversation, Herrera recounts the Wild West days of MMA: his Olympic Trials run, training with Mark Schultz at BYU, the infamous UFC 6 elevator incident with Pat Smith, dojo-storming Alan Gomez alongside Tank Abbott and Eddie Ruiz, cornering Tito Ortiz’s UFC 13 debut, his own UFC 8 fight against Gary Goodridge, and his bout with Kazushi Sakuraba in Japan. He also details promoting the underground Hitman Fight Series and his current coaching at Huntington Beach Ultimate Training Center.

The MMA History Podcast is the only show 100% dedicated to preserving mixed martial arts history through first-hand interviews with the men who lived it.

0:00 MMA history podcast intro

0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction

0:51 interview start

0:54 plugs/ promotions

1:33 recruited to California for wrestling

4:02 early UFC matchmaking

5:17 Olympic training center for wrestling

7:18 taking 2nd place at the Olympic open

10:07 scarce info online for Paul Herrera

11:16 coaching Tito Ortiz in high school

13:38 meeting Tank Abbott for the first time

18:25 relationship with Kimo Leopoldo

20:29 Kimo Leopoldo’s reputation

22:02 interactions with Joe Son

22:40 Randy Ziegler

23:10 relationship with Tito Ortiz

25:13 Dojo storming Allan Góes gym

30:46 animosity towards Tank Abbott at UFC 6

34:08 Tank Abbott vs John Matua

34:49 impression on Dave Thomas

35:50 Tank Abbott vs Paul Varelans

36:46 Oleg Taktarov vs Anthony Macias fixed fight

38:45 Tank Abbott vs Oleg Taktarov

39:22 Pat Smith backstage incident

43:43 running into Pat Smith in elevator

48:00 accused of stealing from Bob Meyrowitz

49:17 putting on Hitman fight events

51:09 relationship with Mark Schultz

54:45 training with Mark Schultz

56:27 Rickson Gracie meeting with Mark Schultz

58:20 invited to fight at UFC 8

59:27 Paul Herrera vs Gary Goodridge

1:00:24 training tape leaked to Gary Goodridge

1:02:17 using substances before Gary Goodridge fight

1:06:43 Refusing hospital treatment after UFC event

1:09:36 Tank Abbott and Allan Góes incident

1:11:24 UFC 9 attendance

1:12:07 preparing Tito Ortiz for UFC debut

1:13:40 Tito Ortiz vs Guy Mezger

1:17:45 Tito Ortiz first MMA fight

1:18:27 Tank Abbott fallout with John McCarthy

1:21:46 Tito Ortiz paid under the table for UFC debut

1:24:53 issues with the Brazilians at UFC after party

1:28:01 Paul Herrera vs Kazushi Sakuraba

1:35:18 the beginning of Japanese hijinks in MMA

1:37:21 Yakuza involvement in fights

1:39:10 John Lober vs Ryushi Yanagisawa

1:39:59 experience with John Lober

1:41:10 Aaron Brink

1:42:24 hosting underground MMA events

1:44:33 first impression of Aaron Brink

1:45:54 choosing to get sober

1:47:07 career highlights

1:48:07 experience with Sean Strickland

1:51:29 interview wrap up

1:53:26 outro/ closing thoughts

Subscribe for more.

Instagram

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Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

Apple Podcast

MMA History Podcast

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632

Cash App - $mikedavis1231

Venmo - Mike-Davis-63

ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

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Join hosts Mike Davis and Joey Venti on the MMA History Podcast for Episode #323 with John "The Natural" Alessio. The former UFC Welterweight title challenger, 50-fight veteran, and Canadian MMA pioneer discusses his remarkable career from outlaw shows in British Columbia to the bright lights of the UFC, PRIDE, King of the Cage, Pancrase, and Super Brawl.Alessio turned pro as a teenager after spotting a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu bumper sticker at a gas station. He shares wild early stories, including no-rules biker-backed events in a Sikh temple (with mid-fight police interventions and headbutts allowed), mismatched weight bouts in Japan, altitude struggles in tournaments, training at the Shark Tank with Ken Shamrock and legends like Pete Williams, and his UFC title shot against Pat Miletich at UFC 26 at age 20, making him the youngest fighter ever to compete for a UFC championship.Now a veteran with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on the FBI fugitive apprehension task force, Alessio also talks police jiu-jitsu training, life after fighting, and the raw, unregulated era of the sport he helped build. Packed with OG tales of Jason Height, Eddie Millis, John Peretti, Stefan Patry, Shawn Tompkins, and more.If you love early MMA history, Canadian pioneers, and unfiltered fighter stories, this is essential listening.Subscribe for more interviews and deep dives preserving mixed martial arts history.0:00 MMA history podcast intro 0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 0:54 interview start 0:57 current life/ career 3:49 50 fight club members from Canada 4:33 training accident with Javier Vasquez 6:45 Jason Heit9:11 beginnings in MMA10:34 Bikers supporting early MMA in Canada15:06 Ultimate Battle 4 man tournament 16:38 Adam Ryan 17:29 John Alessio vs David Harris19:33 Extreme Challenge 4 man tournament 23:39 dealings with Bill Mahood24:21 Kalib Starnes vs Nate Quarry 26:29 connection to Pancrase27:06 meeting Phyllis Lee 27:27 meeting Eddy Millis in Japan 28:04 John Alessio vs Kosei Kubota30:51 quitting Job to be a full time fighter 32:37 early support from friends 33:29 John Alessio vs Jason Meaders34:23 never turning down any fights 37:52 John Alessio vs Egan Inoue41:42 John Alessio vs Jay R Palmer43:14 John Alessio vs John Chrisostomo43:39 partying with the Lions Den 46:42 Lions Den initiation 49:03 John Alessio vs Pat Miletich52:40 UFC not acknowledging John Perretti 55:32 parents trusting fight career 58:14 arm barred by Pat Miletich 59:35 John Alessio vs Joe Doerkson1:00:34 getting cut from the UFC after title fight 1:03:29 Andy Anderson story after UFC event 1:08:34 declining involvement with the Bikers1:12:52 cancelled bout with Yves Edwards1:15:24 John Alessio vs Thomas Deny1:16:44 starting bad seed incorporated 1:17:59 dealings with Bobby Hoffman 1:19:07 Aaron Brink story 1:20:56 Bobby Hoffman story 1:24:40 fighting in the early MMA era 1:27:46 training camps with Billy Rush 1:28:53 Jeremy Horn not self promoting 1:31:08 John Alessio vs Sean Pierson1:31:37 interactions with Stephan Patry1:33:01 John Alessio vs Jason Black1:37:00 head kick KO to Sean Pierson 1:38:59 becoming a well rounded fighter 1:40:21 developing jiu jitsu with Javier Vasquez 1:41:17 interactions with Rafiel Torre1:42:58 John Alessio vs Chris Brennan 1:46:52 John Alessio vs Eiji Mitsuoka1:49:16 John Alessio vs Jason Black1:50:40 John Alessio vs Jason Black1:51:56 training with Karo parisyan1:52:57 John Alessio vs Ronald Jhun1:55:25 John Alessio vs Jonathon Goulet1:57:46 coached by Shawn Tompkins2:01:10 partying with Bas Rutten 2:01:40 John Alessio vs Shannon Ritch2:02:50 training with Dan Henderson and Matt Lindland 2:04:12 interview wrap up 2:05:23 cancelled bout with Joey Villasenior2:08:02 cancelled bout with Nick Diaz 2:10:56 outro/ closing thoughts#MMAHistory #JohnAlessio #UFC #EarlyMMA

Jake "Irish" O'Brien joins the MMA History Podcast for episode 322. The former Purdue wrestler and UFC veteran recounts his journey from dominating Indiana high school wrestling as a three-time state champion to becoming one of the most promising young heavyweights in early UFC history.

O'Brien shares rare stories from the Midwest MMA scene, including his wild amateur debut in a Cage Rage tournament against a one-armed opponent, early pro fights under Keith Palmer at venues like the 82nd Saloon and Madtown Throwdown, and training alongside legends such as Chris Liddell and Alex Stiebling at Integrated Fighting. He details his explosive UFC run, highlighted by a standout TKO victory over Pride veteran Heath Herring, and memorable bouts against elite competition: Andrei Arlovski, Cain Velasquez, and a young Jon Jones at UFC 100.The conversation covers O'Brien's wrestling roots, his identical twin brother's boxing background, the challenges of balancing college athletics with unsanctioned fights, the evolution of regional MMA in Indiana, and life after the Octagon, including coaching at Top Level gym in Indianapolis and his current work as a rural mail carrier. He also opens up about personal challenges, family resilience, and the support he received during difficult times.Hosted by the MMA Detective Mike Davisand Joey Venti, this episode preserves the unfiltered history of mixed martial arts through the eyes of a true pioneer who faced multiple future champions and helped build the sport's Midwest foundation.Listen for insights into early UFC matchmaking, the raw intensity of 2000s regional shows, and the lasting impact of wrestling in MMA.Subscribe for more interviews and stories direct from the men who lived MMA history.#MMAHistory #JakeOBrien #UFC #Wrestling

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In this special international episode, UFC veteran Xavier Foupa-Pokam — known as Professor X — takes listeners on his unforgettable road to the UFC. A true pioneer of French MMA and one of the earliest members of the Snake Team under trainer Cyril Diabate, Foupa-Pokam details his transition from traditional karate to Muay Thai and mixed martial arts in the early 2000s, when the sport was illegal in France. Fighters trained in secret, competed under the guise of other disciplines, and often faced law enforcement interference at events.

With a professional career spanning more than 50 bouts and a verified record of 32-22-0, Professor X became one of the most traveled fighters of his era, competing primarily as the B-side in promotions across Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond. He shares stories from legendary events including Cage Rage in the UK, Jungle Fight in Brazil, and international tournaments, as well as his preparation with Dan Henderson’s Team Quest in the United States to mimic Anderson Silva. The conversation covers his UFC appearances at UFC 97 against Denis Kang and UFC 98 against Drew McFedries, plus memorable matchups against Paul Daley, Hayato Sakurai, Paulo Coelho, and more.
Foupa-Pokam also discusses the challenges of building French MMA from the ground up, the outlaw atmosphere of the early days, his 11 amateur fights before turning pro, and insights into fellow Cameroonian-French fighter Francis Ngannou. This episode highlights the passion, resilience, and global experiences that defined one of MMA’s most dedicated journeymen.

The MMA History Podcast documents the sport we love through hundreds of interviews and thousands of hours of research conducted by the most obsessed minds in the business. Subscribe for new episodes every week featuring the men who lived the early days of MMA.

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:54 interview start 
1:14 part of the foundation for French combat sports
5:51 Karate fighters transitioning to MMA
8:56 Golden Trophy events 
10:06 Francis Ngannou vs Zoumana Cisse
15:33 training before first fight 
17:18 illegal amateur bouts in France 
19:09 issues with Law enforcement 
20:58 coming into fights as a B side 
25:31 Xavier Foupa vs Nelson Monteiro
27:00 Xavier Foupa vs David Pierre
29:49 Xavier Foupa vs Paul Williamson
31:02 Xavier Foupa vs Matt Ewin
32:29 research on opponents before fight 
34:10 Xavier Foupa vs Ferene Gancs
36:09 Xavier Foupa vs Poulo Coelho
37:47 French fighters vs BJJ black belts 
41:52 Cage Rage parties behind the scenes 
46:42 Xavier Foupa vs Martin Kampmann
48:53 Xavier Foupa vs John Oskar
52:33 Xavier Foupa vs Paul Daily
54:25 coming off 3 losses 
55:13 Xavier Foupa vs Jose Mata
59:40 Michael Bisping vs Cyrille Diabate 
1:02:08 Xavier Foupa vs Itamar Rosa
1:03:15 Xavier Foupa vs Ken Hamamura
1:04:04 Xavier Foupa vs Hoon Kim
1:06:42 Xavier Foupa vs Sol Gilbert
1:10:24 Xavier Foupa vs Ryuta Sakuri
1:13:08 Xavier Foupa vs Alex Reid
1:15:38 interactions with Lee Murray 
1:16:57 Xavier Foupa vs Tom Watson
1:17:28 Xavier Foupa vs Pierre Guillet
1:18:00 Xavier Foupa vs Murilo Rua
1:18:54 Cyrille Diabate vs Murilo Rua 
1:19:44 Far Eastern Modern Pancration Federation 
1:26:19 dealings with Wallid Ismail
1:27:03 training with Dan Henderson at Team Quest 
1:30:12 getting a phone call from the UFC 
1:31:51 interview wrap up 
1:35:28 outro/ closing thoughts

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In episode 320 of the MMA History Podcast, host Mike Davis and Joey Venti sit down with UFC veteran and The Ultimate Fighter season 3 finalist Josh Haynes for an in-depth interview about his road to the Ultimate Fighter. As a former mixed martial arts fighter with a professional record of 14 wins and 11 losses, Haynes shares his gritty journey from starting MMA in 2002 as a 330-pound amateur in Oregon's Full Contact Fighting Federation to competing at the highest levels in the UFC.

Post-retirement, Haynes transitioned to law enforcement with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 2009, where he now serves as a sergeant. He details his heroic actions during the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, saving a wounded rookie officer under fire and earning the Medal of Valor for exceptional bravery. This episode explores themes of resilience, survival mentality, and life after MMA, offering valuable insights for aspiring fighters on planning beyond the octagon.

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:52 interview start 
0:54 truth about fight career 
4:02 beginnings in MMA 
5:43 deciding to become a fighter 
10:57 
15:03 thoughts on Robert Follis 
19:14 Phil Baroni Sparring incident with Evan Tanner 
22:40 opportunities after fighting 
26:00 Josh Haynes vs Larry Vandervort 
30:24 reflecting after first loss 
31:49 Josh Haynes vs Josh Bennett 
34:15 taking fights consistently 
35:20 Gina Carano 
35:52 Josh Haynes vs Carl Pope 
39:30 coach Shawn Tompkins 
41:16 Josh Haynes vs Jordan Ramos 
43:27 training with the “White Buffalo Warriors” 
44:12 Matt Hume 
44:46 Josh Haynes vs Jim Pope 
48:57 riding a 7 fight win streak 
51:35 fighters from the Pacific Northwest 
53:04 Josh Haynes vs Jerry Vrbanovic 
57:19 Josh Haynes vs Vince Lucero 
59:20 interactions with John Alessio 
1:01:56 Ulysses Gomez Jiu jitsu 
1:05:08 fighters transitioning to Law enforcement 
1:08:00 realizing Team Quest was ending 
1:12:04 Scrubbing information off the internet 
1:13:44 heroic during Las Vegas mass Shooting
1:26:46 Josh Haynes vs Jake Villanueva 
1:28:19 Josh Haynes vs Carlos Garcia 
1:29:51 Josh Haynes vs Marcos Oliveira 
1:31:04 Josh Haynes vs Horace Spencer 
1:32:29 taking fights with injuries 
1:34:05 Josh Haynes vs Cedric Marks 
1:36:32 trying out for TUF 
1:39:09 Matt Horwich not making the TUF cast 
1:42:47 Team Quest teammates in TUF final
1:44:01 Josh Haynes vs Tate Fletcher 
1:45:22 Josh Haynes vs Jesse Forbes 
1:46:23 Josh Haynes vs Michael Bisping 
1:50:56 talks with Joe Silva 
1:55:32 evolution of MMA turning to point fighting 
1:59:17 interview wrap up 
2:03:53 outro/ closing thoughts 

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Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

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Tank Abbott's WCW years in Part 2 of our exclusive interview on the
MMA History Podcast. From negotiating with Eric Bischoff over Vince McMahon, training at the Power Plant under legends like Paul Orndorff and Dusty Rhodes, to wild angles like the jacket-on-a-pole brawl with Big Al (yes, that knife moment at SuperBrawl 2000), Tank spills the unfiltered truth on backstage politics, his near-title run, and clashes with icons like Goldberg and Sid Vicious.
Fact: Tank debuted in WCW on December 13, 1999, as a legit UFC heavyweight (with wins over Yoji Anjo and Hugo Duarte) brought in to feud with Goldberg, but navigated a rollercoaster of mutinies and mishaps until his 2000 release.

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:48 interview start 
2:14 Tank Abbott vs Yoji Anjo 
7:12 Tank Abbott being a large draw in UFC 
11:50 experience fighting in Japan 
15:09 Tank Abbott vs Hugo Duarte 
21:39 dedicating fight to Frank Sinatra 
22:45 never called out by Rickson Gracie
25:11 Tank Abbott vs Pedro Rizzo
27:12 incident with Pat Smith 
29:28 relationship with Jeff Blatnick
30:51 thoughts on Joe Rogan 
36:12 rumored fight with Butterbean 
37:27 issues before Frank Mir fight 
41:18 where the term “Mixed martial arts” came from 
46:32 Eddie Ruiz update 
48:25 conversations with WCW 
59:05 training at the WCW power plant 
1:01:27 locker room attitude towards wrestlers 
1:05:10 introduction during WCW taping 
1:08:19 pushback from the WCW locker room 
1:10:36 cutting a Promo on Bill Goldberg 
1:12:18 plugs/ promotions 
1:14:02 grabbing owner of Chicago Black Hawks 
1:15:22 issues with Bob Probert 
1:16:20 issues with Terry Taylor 
1:19:40 advice from Sid Vicious 
1:23:05 false rumors of winning WCW Title 
1:28:43 Doug Dillinger 
1:29:05 Jerry Flynn 
1:29:33 Mark Madden 
1:29:52 Chris Cruz 
1:31:28 false rumored match with Mark Coleman 
1:32:20 pulling out knife during match with Big Al  
1:43:40 questioned before match by the locker room 
1:46:11 losing wresting match to David Arquette 
1:47:38 Tank Abbott vs Goldberg 
1:51:32 introduced to the ICP 
1:53:36 staying in shape during WCW 
1:55:31 being a fan of 3 Count 
1:58:44 drinking with the ICP
1:59:56 released from WCW 
2:02:20 dealings with Bob Sapp 
2:03:26 interview wrap up 
2:11:39 outro/closing thoughts

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Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: 
MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 
Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
Records Keeper-  Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
Social Media Manager Andy Campbell  @martial_mindset_
Thumbnails Julio Macedo  @juliosemacento

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Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

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Cash App - $mikedavis1231
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ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 

#MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast 

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Tedd Williams MMA & Gladiator Challenge 

Tedd Williams is a UFC veteran, grappling pioneer a national AAU Sambo champion, Gene LeBell black belt, and 7-1 pro fighter and one of the longest tenured promoters in the country. 
 Tedd Williams shares stories from the sport's raw early days: training with Bas Rutten, his UFC 24 main-event elbow KO over Steve Judson, co-founding King of the Cage, launching Gladiator Challenge, and building the regional scene that helped launch fighters like Urijah Faber and Charles Bennett.
A deep dive into MMA's Wild West era straight from one of its true architects. 

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:50 interview start 
1:40 learning Sambo early on 
3:36 training with Gene LeBell 
5:15 training with John Perretti 
6:37 interactions with John Lewis 
7:28 starting friendship with Oleg Taktarov
8:29 using sambo to become a better wrestler 
9:26 starting Victorville Jets program 
11:33 Universal above ground fighting 
14:10 Antonio McKee vs John Smith 
15:27 Antonio McKee gun story 
17:15 owning half of KOTC at the beginning 
21:09 meeting Terry Trebilcock
22:39 using same venue for KOTC and Gladiator Challenge 
25:24 hosting Gladiator Challenge in Colorado 
26:41 Tedd Williams vs Robert Burnell 
28:06 Empire fighting 
29:10 Bas Rutten invitational 
30:14 training Bas Rutten 
33:00 Tedd Williams vs Joseph Marquez 
34:46 Tedd Williams vs Travis Fulton
37:30 experience with Jamie Levine 
38:29 Tedd Williams vs Joe Campanella 
40:25 Holiday Fight Party 
47:20 Phillip Miller split from the UFC
50:45 Phillip Miller vs James Zikic 
52:07 Lee Murray and Tito Ortiz street fight 
54:26 letter to get into ADCC 2000
56:46 training with Rowdy Roddy Piper
57:44 Tedd Williams vs Steve Judson 
1:02:08 false UFC fighter resumes 
1:03:13 Tedd Williams fight camp exposed 
1:05:17 cancelled bout with Andre Roberts
1:06:27 friendship with Cal Worsham 
1:09:37 dealing with Dan Severn 
1:10:30 cross training bjj and wrestling 
1:11:02 KOTC purchased by EliteXC 
1:19:43 Tedd Williams vs Bill Parker 
1:21:39 dealings with Bob Shamrock 
1:23:01 Tony Galindo 
1:23:41 Ken Shamrock backstage fight with Mark Hall 
1:24:15 attending regional shows 
1:25:25 pushing Tito Ortiz out of cage 
1:30:05 KOTC Wet ‘N’ Wild 
1:34:43 selling Gladiator challenge video library 
1:37:16 KOTC losing money 
1:38:07 experience with Charles Bennett 
1:41:58 Charles Bennett changing name to Felony 
1:43:03 sued by Terry Trebilcock
1:46:43 Gladiator Challenge, KOTC buyouts 
1:50:27 relationship with Chris Cordero 
1:52:36 Experience with Rafiel Torre 
1:55:49 Gerald Strebendt 
1:56:34 interview wrap up 
1:59:55 outro/ closing thoughts

Please follow our channels on 

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: 
MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 
Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
Records Keeper-  Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
Social Media Manager Andy Campbell  @martial_mindset_
Thumbnails Julio Macedo  @juliosemacento

Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

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MMA History Podcast

YouTube 
https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

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Cash App - $mikedavis1231
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  MMA Docu Series

Dive into the incredible story of Marco Ruas, the barefoot Brazilian who stepped into the UFC octagon before the sport even had a name. Often called the forgotten pioneer, Ruas arrived at UFC 7 in 1995 with a revolutionary well-rounded game—blending Muay Thai devastation, judo throws, jiu-jitsu mastery, and luta livre grappling—that shattered the era of pure specialists. Watch as he dismantles opponents like Larry Cureton with early heel hooks, outstrikes Remco Pardoel, and methodically chops down the massive Paul Varelans with those legendary low kicks that echoed through the arena.

We explore his gritty Rio origins, training under legends like Oswaldo Alves and Luis Alves, his vale tudo roots, the rivalry with the Gracies that never fully materialized, his dominant UFC 7 tournament win that proved versatility was the future, later battles against names like Oleg Taktarov and Maurice Smith, and the heartbreaking what-if matchup with Don Frye that fans still debate. Beyond the cage, Ruas's lasting impact shines through as a coach—he mentored Pedro Rizzo, whose devastating leg kicks carried Ruas's influence forward to shape fighters like Jose Aldo.
If you're into MMA history, early UFC pioneers, or the evolution from vale tudo to modern mixed martial arts, this mini documentary uncovers why Ruas was truly ahead of his time—the first complete fighter who forced the sport to evolve.

Hit play now and discover the man who mastered MMA before it even existed. If you love deep dives into MMA's roots, subscribe to the channel for more untold stories from the early days of the UFC and beyond—new episodes drop regularly!

00:00 - Introduction
00:10 - Marco Ruas: The Forgotten Father of Modern MMA
01:53 - Marco Ruas as a Neighborhood Legend
02:21 - Early Life & Martial Arts Training in Rio
03:39 - Public Challenge to the Gracie Family
04:48 - Birth of Ruas Vale Tudo
05:38 - The Devastating Power of Ruas’ Leg Kicks
05:56 - UFC 7: One-Night Heavyweight Tournament Debut
06:38 - Quarterfinal vs Larry Cureton (Heel Hook)
07:12 - Semifinal vs Remco Pardoel (Striking & Grappling)
07:42 - Final vs Paul Varelans (Leg Kick Masterclass)
08:36 - Aftermath: How Ruas Changed the Game
09:24 - Later Career Fights & Transition Out of UFC
10:00 - Mentorship, Pedro Rizzo & Jose Aldo
11:43 - Brutal Training Stories & Seminar Pain
11:56 - Legacy & Reflection
12:06 - The Fight That Never Happened vs Don Frye

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Paul Buentello BEFORE the UFC 

50 Fight Club Member Paul Buentello started his journey fighting for Steve Nelson in the very tough and rugged Amarillo Texas MMA scene. 

Buentello dives into what it was like fighting absolute legends in Evan Tanner, Gan McGee and Bobby Hoffman prior to getting his opportunity within the UFC. 

This is a feel good story featuring a guy that is hard not to like 

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:52 interview start 
1:00 reffing fights 
4:38 training taekwondo early on 
5:48 training partner Cedric Marks 
7:38 Ultimate Athlete 2 riot 
9:36 guarding the pain inc booth 
14:11 stiffed on payment for Kerry Schall fight
19:22 USWF 8 man tournament 
24:56 Paul Buentello vs Dan Severn 
28:43 competing in tough man contest 
33:57 Lenard Garcia coming out of USWF 
34:33 Paul Buentello vs Larry Parker 
39:00 training with Sven Bean 
40:36 Paul Buentello vs Todd Broadaway
42:40 Heath Herring current life 
44:49 getting mistaken for Babalu 
47:08 losing to a WWE wrestler 
48:44 Paul Buentello vs Jimmy Westfall
51:50 forcing hands into smaller MMA gloves 
53:36 Paul Buentello vs Bobby Hoffman 
55:18 UFC current crowd compared to previous 
57:58 self managing early career 
59:09 driving 27 hours to IFC event with daughter 
1:02:39 Paul Buentello vs Rocky Batastini
1:04:08 Paul Buentello vs Gan McGee 
1:05:29 Paul Buentello vs Rico Rodriguez Wet & Wild
1:10:39 leaving to California to Train MMA 
1:12:38 training with Cain Velazquez 
1:13:25 Cameron Earle story 
1:17:54 Paul Buentello vs Roger Neff 
1:19:57 Paul Buentello vs Mike Kyle 
1:23:48 KOTC contract 
1:25:20 journey to get to the UFC
1:27:13 training for Gary Marshall
1:30:49 experience with Bob Cook 
1:31:45 thoughts on Frank Shamrock 
1:34:18 meeting Andy Anderson 
1:39:48 training partners at AKA 
1:42:22 cancelled bout with Forrest Griffin 
1:42:57 Bobby Hoffman protected KOTC 
1:45:29 Paul Buentello vs Andy Montana 
1:46:21 Paul Buentello vs Lloyd Marshbanks 
1:48:59 mentally not prepared for first UFC fight
1:50:32 getting into the UFC 
1:52:27 relationship with Joe Silva 
1:53:05 refusing to use PEDs 
1:54:35 traveling the world to fight 
1:57:01 paying dues to fight 
1:58:58 Bob Cook gym stories 
2:03:07 interview wrap up 
2:06:37 outro/ closing thoughts

Please follow our channels on 

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: 
MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 
Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
Records Keeper-  Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
Social Media Manager Andy Campbell  @martial_mindset_
Thumbnails Julio Macedo  @juliosemacento

Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

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https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

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MMA History Podcast

YouTube 
https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Cash App - $mikedavis1231
Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 

#MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast 

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Ep 316 EliteXC Internal Chaos & CBS - Jared Shaw 

Jared Shaw joins the MMA History Podcast, delivering the 3rd episode of our multi episode  Elite XC series.

Shaw breaks down the CBS primetime peak numbers (6.51 million viewers for Kimbo vs.
James Thompson). 
The start of what is considered the “gold rush” of WMMA -  Gina Carano's pivotal win over Caitlyn Young ;, Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith stealing the show, Nick Diaz's "Don't be scared, homie" moment, & the internal power struggles within the company. 

On the controversial side… Gary Shaw’s unceremonious departure, gaming the stock market… this episode is insane 

If you think that this episode is wild… just wait for the 4th drop when everything implodes.
  
0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:49 interview start 
0:52 having a meeting with CBS 
4:55 Gary Shaw not having a Wikipedia 
9:36 John Perretti erased from Wikipedia 
12:39 campaign to bad mouth Jared Shaw 
17:16 EliteXC street certified event 
21:35 funding StrikeForce event Frank Shamrock vs Cung Le
25:16 Nick Diaz at StrikeForce event 
26:20 Nick Diaz Marijuana Suspension 
30:06 experience with Larry Hazard 
31:51 Drew Fickett behaving during event 
32:19 Tiki Ghosn appearing on event 
33:22 ShoXC series 
35:15 Trying to Oust Gary Shaw 
40:27 EliteXC Primetime 
41:27 Kimbo Slice vs James Thompson 
48:22 Brett Rogers vs Jon Murphy 
50:15 Phil Baroni vs Joey Villasenor 
51:23 Gina Carano vs Kaitlin Young 
55:45 Robbie Lawler vs Scott Smith 
58:44 EliteXC events holding up to current day 
1:00:57 Refferee Dan Miragliotta
1:04:03 importance of a good Refferee 
1:07:46 Gary Shaw parting from EliteXC
1:10:42 ShoXC in Hawaii 
1:11:23 “Don’t be scared homie” viral comment 
1:12:44 Jared Shaw not attending Hawaii event 
1:19:17 trusting Ariel Helwani 
1:21:16 KJ Noons contract negotiation
1:32:41 interview wrap up 
1:41:05 outro/ closing thoughts

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Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: 
MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 
Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
Records Keeper-  Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
Social Media Manager Andy Campbell  @martial_mindset_
Thumbnails Julio Macedo  @juliosemacento

Instagram 
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Spotify 
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Apple Podcast 
MMA History Podcast

YouTube 
https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Cash App - $mikedavis1231
Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 

#MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast 

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Ep 315 Tank Abbott Fighting in the 90’s  

The Original UFC bad boy, David "Tank" Abbott, joins us for an unfiltered deep dive into the wild early days of MMA.
From his explosive knockouts at UFC 6, legendary clashes in the tournament, street-fighting roots, and raw takes on the politics, "works," and personalities that shaped the sport - Tank holds nothing back.
Now retired in the desert, this powerhouse legend (natural 625-Ib bench, no-BS 

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:51 interview start 
6:58 packaged by Dave Thomas for the UFC 
11:02 meeting with Art Davie 
16:44 
17:30 receiving letter of intent to fight in the UFC 
21:44 attending UFC 5 
24:19 interactions with Joe Son 
29:19 issues with Jim Brown 
43:42 Ken Shamrock vs Royce Gracie “rematch”
44:58 Ultimate Tank ppv 
45:50 cornering Vanilla ice for a fight 
46:31 thoughts on Tito Ortiz 
50:48 technique vs being tough 
52:02 Tank Abbott vs John Matua 
58:02 making the UFC entertaining 
59:05 Tank Abbott vs Paul Varelans
1:03:03 Tank Abbott vs Oleg Taktarov
1:07:17 Pat Smith altercation backstage 
1:09:46 attack on Pat Smith in elevator 
1:14:30 Ken Sharock calling the cops 
1:15:29 writing apology letter to John McCarthy 
1:16:59 becoming a paint artist 
1:17:44 training with Mark Schultz 
1:19:38 wrestling Chael Sonnan 
1:21:46 first fixed fight in the UFC 
1:23:09 Ken Shamrock not being pushed in UFC
1:24:58 Tank Abbott vs Dan Severn 
1:30:17 Altercation with Allan Goes 
1:40:55 sucker punched by Wallid Ismail
1:46:04 Bas Rutten vs Kevin Randleman 
1:47:05 Allan Goes incident in Puerto Rico
1:49:28 thoughts on John Perretti 
1:52:38 meeting Tito Ortiz 
1:55:32 Tito Ortiz stealing check from car 
2:02:12 Tank Abbott vs Scott Ferrozzo 
2:09:13 Tank Abbott vs Cal Worsham 
2:11:25 Direct wave TV sponsor 
2:11:44 Canceled bout with Ken Shamrock 
2:14:39 fighters taking steroids 
2:17:07 Don Frye worked fight with Mark Hall 
2:18:04 Big Al throwing burger at Frank Shamrock 
2:19:55 thoughts on the UFC hall of fame 
2:25:00 Ken Shamrock calling out Tank Abbott 
2:27:35 Pride Fc using Tank Abbott for promotional material 
2:32:05 Tank Abbott vs Maurice Smith 
2:34:26 Dan Severn pulling out of Maurice Smith fight 
2:38:37 interview wrap up/ outro

Please follow our channels on 

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: 
MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 
Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
Records Keeper-  Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
Social Media Manager Andy Campbell  @martial_mindset_
Thumbnails Julio Macedo  @juliosemacento

Instagram 
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Spotify 
https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

Apple Podcast 
MMA History Podcast

YouTube 
https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Cash App - $mikedavis1231
Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 

#MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast 

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Ep 314 James Hergott - MMA Film Maker 

James Hergott is one of the OG’s when it comes to filming the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. 

While currently promoting his film Super Car Saints available on Amazon Prime; his past incudes Striking Truth with George’s St Pierre & Fighting for the Troops. 

This episode is special drop where we discuss MMA History current issues along with James past history 

It’s a fun listen  

Please follow our channels on 

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: 
MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 
Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
Records Keeper-  Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
Social Media Manager Andy Campbell  @martial_mindset_
Thumbnails Julio Macedo  @juliosemacento

Instagram 
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Spotify 
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Apple Podcast 
MMA History Podcast

YouTube 
https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Cash App - $mikedavis1231
Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 

#MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast 

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Ep 313 The Fall of EF Battlecade - John Perretti 

John Perretti, Battlecade: Extreme Fighting creator/matchmaker & former
UFC matchmaker.
Deep dive into the promotion's last event via Extreme Fighting 4 (Des Moines, March 28, 1997): 
It featured Olympic gold medalists
Kenny Monday & Kevin Jackson on one card, along with epic clashes like Paul Jones vs.Eric Paulson and a mid-show power outage, we talk about Gracie hesitancy on certain matchups (including near-misses with big money offers), Bas Rutten bad blood, and John's take on grappler-to-striker limits.
Raw, firsthand history from the source.

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:57 interview start 
2:19 Extreme fighting 4 in Iowa 
3:20 budget for Extreme fighting 4 
4:09 Ralph Gracie vs Eugenio Tadeu rumor 
6:28 allegedly matchmaking Brazilians to lose fights 
7:40 training Igor Zinoviev to fight Royce Gracie 
9:47 Bas Rutten altercation with Rickson Gracie 
11:55 Roster of fighters at Extreme Fighting 4
12:50 power outage during event 
14:14 Allan Goes vs Todd Bjornethun
18:14 Gary Myers vs Tommy Glanville 
19:38 Paul Jones vs Erik Paulson 
21:22 Kevin Jackson vs John Lober 
22:37 creating modern MMA
25:12 Extreme fighting changing how you viewed the sport 
26:13 thoughts on Joe Moreira 
30:06 John Lober personal issues
32:12 Matt Hume vs Pat Miletich
35:44 financial issues coming into event 
37:18 Kenny Monday vs John Lewis 
43:47 John Donehue reffing all 4 events 
44:43 Maurice Smith vs Kazunari Murakami
51:24 altercation with Ken Shamrock in lobby 
56:18 drug issues at the Lions den 
58:13 matchmaking fights in the UFC 
1:02:05 realizing Extreme fighting is finished 
1:05:15 Igor Zinoviev injured out of extreme fighting 
1:05:38 receiving a call to work for the UFC
1:10:02 Art Davie’s letter to congress to ban MMA 
1:11:41 plugs/ promotions 
1:12:42 interview wrap up 
1:24:19 outro/ closing thoughts

Please follow our channels on 

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: 
MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 
Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
Records Keeper-  Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
Social Media Manager Andy Campbell  @martial_mindset_
Thumbnails Julio Macedo  @juliosemacento

Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

Spotify 
https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

Apple Podcast 
MMA History Podcast

YouTube 
https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Cash App - $mikedavis1231
Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 

#MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast 

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Ep 312 Andy Anderson Federal Prison

Andy Anderson was once a Texas entrepreneur owning topless clubs and the notorious All Nude Steakhouse (supplying ring girls for UFC events), Andy's life took a turn
- he's now serving a federal sentence for drug conspiracy (30 years) and money laundering (20 years), though he insists he's innocent and was railroaded by false testimony. This audio-only deep dive covers fixed fights, mafia run-ins in Ukraine's IFC event, Japanese afterparties gone wrong, and the grit that built MMA.
No holds barred - just raw history from a man who lived it.

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  

0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 

2:35 interview start 

2:52 helping move UFC 12 after cancellation 

6:49 attending UFC 1 as a spectator 

7:42 becoming involved with the UFC

8:26 fighting NHB in Mexico 

9:21 interactions with Julian Sanchez 

10:06 relationship with Art Davie

11:27 Art Davie and Bob Meyrowitz relationship 

13:14 meeting Buddy Albin 

14:27 relationship with Charlie Anzalone

15:04 Buddy Albin being tough to work with 

17:25 Andy Anderson vs John Hess 

21:00 owning several topless bars

22:09 Cornering Anthony Macias for fixed fight 

25:16 Pat smith attacked in Elevator by Tito Ortiz 

27:06 Remco Pardoel alleged Marco Ruas of greasing 

28:41 Marco Ruas calling out the Gracie’s 

29:44 Bas Rutten calling out Rickson Gracie 

30:20 Japanese promotions hand picking fights 

32:22 Tank Abbott Hard Rock Cafe incident 

35:40 interactions with Joe Son and Kimo Leopoldo 

38:12 Ken Shamrock dropping women off a balcony 

40:04 Art Davie split with Bob Meyrowitz  

42:51 living with Frank Shamrock 

44:23 living with Scott Bessac

46:01 reason for being locked up 

49:36 initial offering for sentencing 

51:53 locked up with Tiger King 

53:30 amount of time being served 

56:45 current living situation 

1:00:51 IFC Ukraine Debut controversy 

1:08:50 Ron Van Clief 

1:10:10 interactions with Leon Spinks

1:11:09 reason for the UFC logo at IFC event 

1:12:21 Stuck in Ukraine after IFC event 

1:15:48 Bas Rutten Paul Varelans incident  

1:19:23 escaping to Paris from Ukraine 

1:21:05 the local mafia wanting the tapes 

1:22:06 Buddy Albin grab and go plan 

1:22:52 Igor Vovchanchyn reputation at IFC event 

1:23:52 Art Davie not involved in the IFC 

1:25:40 Anthony Macias vs Sakuraba

1:28:30 John McCarthys relationship with Bob Meyrowitz

1:29:30 John Perretti coming to the UFC 

1:31:19 Bob Meyrowitz thoughts on John Perretti 

1:36:25 early UFC matchmaking 

1:37:16 UFC not allowing John Perretti to purchase 

1:41:06 Bob Meyrowitz interactions with Oprah Winfrey 

1:41:53 fondest memories of the UFC 

1:42:38 UFC changing rules because of mark Coleman

1:44:28 Andy Anderson outro 

1:45:56 outro/ closing thoughts

Subscribe to the Lytes Out Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast

Discord:
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Socials: 
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Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Cash App - $mikedavis1231
Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 


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Ep 311 Ron Jhun BEFORE the UFC 

Ron Jhun is Hawaii’s only 50 fight club member and had over 40 bouts prior to competing in the UFC. 

Ron Jhun is an early pioneer and a legend among the Hawaiian MMA community; we share some funny insights and stories in this very hard to come by interview 

Ep 311 Ron Jhun BEFORE the UFC 

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:53 interview start 
1:24 growing up with a boxing pedigree 
2:53 training prior to first fight 
4:35 learning Jiu jitsu from VHS tapes 
5:18 training at Jesus is lord
6:38 reason for David Pa’aluhi retiring 
11:39 Ron Jhun vs Eddy Millis 
17:01 Ron Jhun vs Eugene Jackson
20:31 Ron Jhun vs Paul Cutts
22:37 Ron Jhun vs James Zikic
24:05 Relson Gracie pushback on the Island 
27:21 Ron Jhun vs James Zikic (rematch)
29:24 Ron Jhun vs Marco De Silva
30:43 payout for tournament fights 
33:04 winning Super Brawl 14 tournament 
36:41 hearing about Scott Coker early on 
37:18 running into John Hackleman 
39:08 possible relations to KJ Noons 
39:45 offered Yuki Sasaki bout in Japan 
41:48 experience first time in Japan 
43:50 Ron Jhun vs Yuki Sasaki
46:43 interactions with the Yakuza 
48:28 Ron Jhun vs Kim Mason
51:11 Drug issues on the Island 
53:10 Ron Jhun vs Erik Paulson
59:12 relationship with Erik Paulson 
1:02:21 Josh Barnett and Erik Paulson story 
1:04:14 Ron Jhun vs Jason Von Flue
1:05:42 promoting on the Underground forums 
1:08:27 meeting Sean Shelby and Tom Brady 
1:10:41 Ron Jhun vs JT Taylor
1:12:08 Ron Jhun vs Brian Sleeman
1:13:05 Ron Jhun vs Dave Strasser
1:14:08 Ron Jhun vs Joe Stevenson
1:15:31 Ron Jhun vs Pete Spratt
1:17:33 WFA 2001
1:18:58 rolling with John Lewis 
1:20:31 self promoting to Blue Belt 
1:22:39 John Lewis current life 
1:25:01 Ron Jhun current life 
1:28:31 football in Hawaii 
1:31:30 plugs/ promotions 
1:32:12 experience with Cabbage Correira 
1:33:44 Ron Jhun vs Jermaine Andre
1:35:28 sponsored by Tapout 
1:36:21 Ron Jhun vs Mandatorily Suda
1:39:07 Ron Jhun vs Stephan Potvin
1:40:00 Ron Jhun vs Shonie Carter
1:41:03 Ron Jhun vs Dennis Hallman
1:42:31 Ron Jhun vs Mike Penalber
1:43:06 interview wrap up 
1:44:48 outro/ closing thoughts

Subscribe to the Lytes Out Podcast:
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Discord:
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Socials: 
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Spotify - 
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Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Cash App - $mikedavis1231
Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 


Follow the #LOP team on Instagram: 
Chris Lytle - Founder/Owner - @chrislightsoutlytle 
Mike Davis - MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Joey Venti - Assistant - @aj_ventitre
Tyson Green - Producer - @ty.green.welding
Andrew Mendoza - Timestamps - @ambidexstress
Andy Campbell - Social Media Manager - @martial_mindset_
Josh Campbell - Contributer
John Perretti - Historical Contributer

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

#MMA #UFC #NHB #LytesOutPodcast #LytesOut #MixedMartialArts #ChrisLytle #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #FiftyFightClub #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast 

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Ep 310 EliteXC The Run - Jared Shaw 

Following the huge buzz from Part 1
(#308: "The Rise of EliteXC"), Jared returns for an unfiltered deep dive into the promotion's explosive two-year run that seriously challenged the UFC.
Hear the insider stories: nearly signing Brock Lesnar post-K-1, flying Kimbo Slice to LA with a briefcase of cash to lock in MMA's first viral superstar (his
43-second KO of Tank Abbott drew massive Showtime ratings), Gina Carano's breakthrough win over Tonya Evinger at Uprising in Hawaii (despite her tough weight cut), and the bold events that pushed women's MMA forward while building legitimacy with fighters like Robbie Lawler and Nick Diaz.
Shaw opens up on the highs (CBS primetime deals bringing MMA to millions), the internal chaos, financial struggles, and the dramatic 2008 collapse after the Heat event
controversy. Plus, personal reflections like his life-changing open-heart surgery at 19.
This is authentic MMA history straight from the VP who lived it-raw, revealing, and essential for any fight fan.
Tune in tomorrow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Subscribe and hit notifications so you don't miss it!

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:52 interview start 
3:11 Bjorn Rebney reputation 
4:53 talks of signing Brock Lesnar to Elite XC
7:05 bad matchmaking for Brock Lesnar 
9:14 open heart surgery at an early age 
12:40 EliteXC Uprising in Honolulu
13:37 importance of Rich Chou 
16:37 TJay Thompson brought in by Rich Chou
18:04 Patrick Freitas
20:48 Matchmaking process 
24:26 coming up with weight classes for event 
27:18 Gina Carano struggling to make weight 
27:52 revitalizing Robbie Lawler 
29:33 contacting Icey Mike about Kimbo Slice 
34:14 signing Kimbo Slice to Elite XC
36:53 dealing with the California Athletic Commission
40:26 Chuck Champion makes organization cuts 
43:35 Mike Pyle refusing to fight for the title 
47:19 Kimbo vs Bo Cantrell
51:56 KJ Noons vs Nick Diaz 
59:28 Nick Diaz importance for Elite XC 
1:00:36 conversations with Dream FC
1:02:54 conversations with Ken Shamrock
1:04:04 Eddie Alvarez being a huge ticket seller 
1:05:05 EliteXC Street Certified event 
1:11:55 viewership for Street Certified event 
1:14:06 dealings with Ken Pavia 
1:15:18 dealings with Jeremy Lappen 
1:21:29 Scott Smith improper matchmaking 
1:23:19 interview wrap up/ sneak preview  
1:26:19 outro/ closing thoughts 
 

Subscribe to the Lytes Out Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast

Discord:
https://discord.gg/s3mV6wyNgv

Socials: 
Facebook -
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Instagram - 
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iTunes - 
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Spotify - 
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Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Cash App - $mikedavis1231
Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 


Follow the #LOP team on Instagram: 
Chris Lytle - Founder/Owner - @chrislightsoutlytle 
Mike Davis - MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Joey Venti - Assistant - @aj_ventitre
Tyson Green - Producer - @ty.green.welding
Andrew Mendoza - Timestamps - @ambidexstress
Andy Campbell - Social Media Manager - @martial_mindset_
Josh Campbell - Contributer
John Perretti - Historical Contributer

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

#MMA #UFC #NHB #LytesOutPodcast #LytesOu

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Ep 309 Ed Herman BEFORE the UFC

Dive deep into the raw origins of UFC veteran Ed "Short Fuse" Herman - The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 runner-up, a middleweight powerhouse with 26 official UFC bouts (plus his TUF Octagon appearances), 13 wins inside the promotion, and an impressive eight post-fight bonuses, including Knockout of the Night, Submission of the Night, Fight of the Night, and Performance of the Night honors. As the UFC's longest consecutively tenured athlete, his journey is legendary.
From his gritty Pacific Northwest roots, wrestling under the influence of Dan Gable's legacy, to grinding at Team Quest alongside legends like Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, and Chael Sonnen, Ed shares untold stories of his pre-UFC wars against future stars like Glover Teixeira and Nick Thompson.
Now retired after a storied career spanning 2003-2023, he's giving back as owner of Short Fuse Martial Arts in Vancouver, WA, and coach at American Top Team Portland, mentoring the next generation.

From his gritty Pacific Northwest roots, wrestling under the influence of Dan Gable's legacy, to grinding at Team Quest alongside legends like Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, and Chael Sonnen, Ed shares untold stories of his pre-UFC wars against future stars like Glover Teixeira and Nick Thompson.
Now retired after a storied career spanning 2003-2023, he's giving back as owner of Short Fuse Martial Arts in Vancouver, WA, and coach at American Top Team Portland, mentoring the next generation.
Hosted by MMA detective Mike Davis and Joey Venti - the only podcast preserving MMA's untold history through exclusive interviews. Don't miss this kickoff to 2026!

0:00 MMA history podcast intro  
0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 
0:53 interview start 
0:57 plugs/ promotions 
1:52 training at team quest 
3:05 wrestling in High school 
5:03 experience with Phil Baroni 
6:11 Chael Sonnen hard worker comment 
6:59 early career managers 
8:50 training prior to first fight 
9:52 joining Team Quest
11:51 having a rough upbringing 
17:55 Ed Herman vs Noel Tworek
19:43 Ed Herman vs Byron Yates
20:54 Ed Herman vs Andrew Taylor
23:44 Bouncer work for a strip club 
26:40 feelings after first loss 
27:43 Ed Herman vs Ryan Pope
28:50 Ed Herman vs Shane Davis
30:57 training with Dennis Hellman and Jeff Monson 
32:09 Ed Herman vs Rich Guerin
34:51 Ed Herman vs Derek Downey
36:05 coaching at Team Quest 
37:04 Ed Herman vs Justin Hawes
37:50 Ed Herman vs Jacen Flynn
39:01 Ed Herman vs Cory Devela
39:39 Ed Herman vs Shane Davis “rematch” 
40:15 flying to Japan to fight 
41:00 Ed Herman vs Kazou Misake
45:03 Ed Herman vs Brian Ebersole
46:18 Ed Herman vs Joe Doerkson
47:27 trying out for TUF season 1 
50:04 Ed Herman vs Glover Teixeira
53:18 Ed Herman vs Rhomez Brower
54:23 Ed Herman vs Nick Thompson
56:34 Ed Herman vs Dave Menne
57:56 calling out Matt Hughes post fight 
59:22 teammate Ryan Schultz
59:58 relationship with Evan Tanner 
1:01:35 thoughts on Matt Lindland
1:03:17 Kim Couture
1:03:55 reaction to Team Quest splitting
1:08:12 working out with Jesse Taylor 
1:08:35 interview wrap up 
1:13:29 outro/ closing thoughts

Please follow our channels on 

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: 
MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 
Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
Records Keeper-  Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
Social Media Manager Andy Campbell  @martial_mindset_
Thumbnails Julio Macedo  @juliosemacento

Instagram 
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In 2025 we experienced a lot of growth and recorded some incredible history pieces 

Joining is for a recap of the years events is Julio Macedo (RagdollMMA), Referee Kevin MacDonald, Brian McLaughlin & James Hergott 

This year we had 55 total drops 
51 Deep Dives  & 2 round tables

Special Thank You to the following 
Phil Barker, Hong Kong Phooey 613Json and Thomas Mural for watching on his wife’s account 


Thank You for all of the support and growth thar we experienced this year and we promise to deliver the same quality product for many years to come

Please follow our channels on 

Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: 
MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 
Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
Records Keeper-  Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
Social Media Manager Andy Campbell  @martial_mindset_
Thumbnails Julio Macedo  @juliosemacento

Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

Spotify 
https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

Apple Podcast 
MMA History Podcast

YouTube 
https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 
Cash App - $mikedavis1231
Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 

#MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast 

Thank You for your support

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